my first freak out.

I think I've mentioned - my weekday runs are still short, while my weekend runs get longer with each one. So for my short weekday runs [20 minutes right now] I generally stick to the same path along a couple main streets. They're well lit and traveled, both good qualities for an after sunset run. But tonight, I finished my route and was still 2 minutes shy on my time. And I have this route planned at exactly 20 minutes every time. So, I'm feeling good - I've picked up my pace a little bit, I'm feeling strong... and then I check my e-mail. As a Team In Training participant I have a running coach who keeps in regular contact with running tips, injury check-ups and of course, the group run schedule for the coming weekend.

And I'm scared.

20. No problem.
30. Done.
40. That too.
60. Here's where my first freak out happens.

And yes, I realize I am training to run 13 miles, which will surely take me more than 60 minutes. But that's in May - it seems forever and a day from this weekend in February. And an hour is a long time. It's an entire episode of Grey's Anatomy, with no fast forwarding through the commercials. The clock will do a full circle before I finish.

Oi. Wish me luck.

i'm running, but i'm still a girly girl

So here's been my challenge these last few weeks - having enough daylight to get my runs in before the sky turns dark at 7 p.m. That's the thing about winter - it's dark in the morning and dark evening. And I'm in the office during the sunshine! Although in full disclosure, it'd be hard for me to get up and run that early in the morning even if there was enough light. I am just not a morning girl, nor am I a wash-my-hair-and-ready-in-15-minutes girl. I like my sleep. I like my bathroom time. I don't care who knows it. So thankfully, I'm at the start of my training [week #3] and my weekday runs are still short. And I'm noticing the sky stays lightish a few minutes longer each day. But you know - the lighter the sky gets each day, the longer my runs will be!