My birthday run on Saturday was great fun - we started off with seven running club peeps and ended with eight - it felt like old times, with a group to start and finish with! Like I mentioned in Monday's post, I'd planned on running 4.5 miles, but upped that to 4.9 for my 49th birthday. The run went much better than last week, although about mile 1.25, when we turned into the fancy-schmancy subdivision, the combination of all the sprinklers putting extra humidity into the air along with zero breeze made for a hellishly hot mile, until we got to the back of the subdivision where the land is undeveloped - no houses, no sprinklers, and a breeze - what a relief! I think we are going to do a different route next week - that area, while beautiful, is just too hot this time of year.
Oh - one nice thing about the back of the subdivision is the wildlife - as we were running, I remembered how I used to see lots of deer back when I was training for my first half marathon, and I swear, just as I thought of that, two deer crossed the road just ahead of us! Cool! About 30 seconds later, a third deer came blasting out, trying to catch up to his friends...obviously he was lollygagging and didn't see them leave.
Jeff and I got to the park, where most of our group was waiting for us - as we got closer, Jeff called out to them that we were going to run to 4.9 (which was another four-tenths of a mile)...Kim and Carrie jumped back in to run behind me, chanting "Go Shelley, it's your birthday, go Shelley!" - which made me laugh and put a big smile on my face - thanks, ladies!
We had a good time afterward, standing around, eating the watermelon that we'd brought, rehashing races and discussing which halfs to run in the future. I still think it's hilarious that I, who spent so many years overweight and sedentary, would be so excited to wake up EARLY on my birthday, go for a long run, and then commit to more running! Crazy and wonderful and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Deshonda, Carrie, me, Will, Kim (missing are Mike and John, who left before pictures)...and in runner humor, Will posted on my Facebook wall that I don't look a day over 4.5, ha!
Laughing and having a good time!
Slow and steady - right now, I'm just going for distance...speed will catch up eventually.
With Jeff, Jenny and Julia out of town this week, I begged Erica to step in and run with me both Tuesday and Thursday - while she's not ready to get back into running like she was, luckily she was willing - thanks, Erica! We ran 2 miles yesterday and will do another 2 on Thursday - nice, relaxing runs that make me feel like I could go on for miles...I'm sure the sweet company has a lot to do with it, too.
Nothing like getting your sweat on with a good friend!
**If you missed it, go HERE for my review/giveaway of CalNaturale Svelte protein drink - winner will be posted on Friday!**
ahhh the last picture.
ReplyDeleteand today? here? soon?
with your 6 year old.
xo
I love that you've developed a running 'community.' Nothing like having that sort of support, whether it's your birthday or not!
ReplyDeleteMe? I've been known to run through sprinklers.
Hey running sister, we are so close with our mileage in May, I ran 41.1 miles. How fun is that.
ReplyDeleteLike Helen I love your running community. You've made so many new friends since you started running, I love it.
I love the pics, everybody looks so happy.
I loved the Addams Family - never missed it. I love reading about your running exploits and those of your running buddies (don't look over 4.5 - too funny). Good job on the slow and steady increase in mileage - smart, that.
ReplyDeleteLol at walking like Lurch ---I got that down pat! So fun to see you having fun with all your buds!
ReplyDeleteI never pay attention to my mileage - I may do that the month of July!
ReplyDeleteWoop for your birthday run - still so great and that you found a running partner this week! :D
Awww, I love it!!!! See ya in the AM! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love ALL of the pictures on this "feel good" running post!!! You have fun looking running buddies.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome to have your friends cheer you on for your birthday run!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd that is a great pace!! Nothing slow about it at all!!!
A birthday run, what a great tradition! I was planning on a birthday massage, a birthday nap, a birthday dinner, and a big-ass slice of birthday cake...but maybe the exercise would be a good idea too.
ReplyDeletehappy 49th!
--Crabby
I love that your 2 mile runs are easy now :) That is also a fabulous headband. I've been all into the headbands lately due to our friend humidity!
ReplyDeleteSo much resonates with me here. I started in my mid 30's at 233 pounds. Down to 158 range now and only 13 pounds from my goal weight, now 41 years old. Love it if you could add me to your blogroll.
ReplyDeletehttp://diaryofanaspiringloser.blogspot.com