Obstacles

I haven't been able to run all week! So many reasons...good ones, but still- I hate this.

Here are my reasons...

1. working.
2. visit with parents
3. sick (had the flu)
4. on reserve

Today I feel better, but I'm on reserve...which means I need to stay by the phone until 4pm. If they don't call, I'll go running tonight. This is the first week all year that I haven't run even one mile. I need to figure out a way to keep up my training. Work is exhausting, but fun.

Perhaps I'll do some writing on Annie. Yeah, that sounds good :-)
I've got a few ideas I should jot down...

Nebraska

Hello happy runners!

I'm in Lincoln, Nebraska. My hotel room overlooks the University and the big football stadium.

I went for a nice run this morning all around the campus and downtown. I saw a bird with a broken leg, another runner with a shirt on that said NEBRASKA on the front. It rained a bit. Perfect weather. Not to hot...a bit chilly in fact. The university is out right now, so this place is pretty much a ghost town.

I ran past a Catholic Church and a BIG Mormon temple that was right across the street. Man, those Mormons just go way overboard, I think. And what's with that man as a hood ornament at the top of the temple? Where's the cross?

Anyway...It was a fun little run. I ran for about 45 minutes, so that was probably about 5 miles.

On the way back, I noticed a farmers market going on. So I went down there and checked it out. I found a couple things I liked. Now all I need is a shower and I'll go back down there to purchase it.

Hmmm.....I think like Nebraska.

BTW- I did run a 3 mile treadmill at the hotel in Freso the other day. Nothing exciting to report about that, except that I did it.
:-)

2 more home

Did I write about the run to Hidden Gold the other day? No?

Well I did. I ran the 5 miles to Hidden Gold on Friday morning. It was harder than usual. I need to up the incline when I do treadmill runs. My body is relaxing from the decrease in hills. Can't have that!

Today I ran Westville and Pointed Rocks. Pretty easy and felt good in the early hours. My left shin did start hurting in the second mile, but soon faded and all was well again.

I thought about how badly I wanted to fly. So many times I've wished I could run so fast that my feet would leave the ground. Fear stops me sometimes. No, I should say it slows me down. It's nothing but drag. Shake it Kathy...and let your imagination take you to the places you've created in the small narrow cracks of your dreams.
They are there...waiting for you to visit. Yes, I talk to myself. Call me crazy if you wish, but crazy lives on the brink of genius.

You know what I want right now? Peech pie. Doesn't that sound good? It does to me.

Eugene, Oregon

Sunday I did a 4 mile hike with my dad and Megan...does that count? Sure, why not!

Now back to our regularly scheduled post.

Eugene.

Monday night I found myself walking with my crew down a long musty smelling hallway. The wheels on my rollarboard left 2 long tracks on the freshly vacuumed bright green carpet.

The room was much nicer than I expected. I can't tell you where we stayed. It's a secret. But it was nice. Our layover was 14 hours. That meant I got to sleep in...but I didn't. I was up at 7am. I was out running by 7:30.

The air was crisp with just enough chill to warrant a sweatshirt. After a mile I was wishing I had not worn the sweatshirt. I ran 3.5 miles along a wide, beautiful river. I wish I knew the area better so I could have run longer. It felt sooooo good to stretch my legs and fill my lungs with fresh clean air. I learned something new about myself. I get airsick. Great time to find that out! Luckily the hotel had some dramamine and I was fine for the next few flights. I just gotta get used to this flying deal.

It's been 1 month since I left for initial training. I've lost about 5 pounds. I don't get much chance to eat. I need to learn how to pack food for several days at a time. I think I've lost muscle from not running as much. Bummer. I'd rather keep the muscle and lose the baby fat.

I'm home now for just a little while. This up coming week should be interesting. I have to find a place to live in Fresno and figure out how I'm going to come home on days off. Also I need to make sure all is well at home. My dad has been here the whole time and I appreciate him so much! I'll always be my daddy's little girl.

Friday run at home

Wow.

What a difference. In Utah I didn't run any hills. I either ran through the downtown area or on the treadmill.

This evening I was able to get out and run to SECOND GATE.

It was like running it for the first time. My stomach got all achy and I sweat a ton! The sun was shining, which made it pretty toasty, but I didn't mind at all. The sun felt good.

The hills were a little challenging.

I found myself reciting announcements as I bounced along with praise music pouring out my headphones. I waved at James, who looked surprised that I was home.

I can tell it's going to take me some time before I am back to half marathon ability. I certainly hope I can keep it up. Running is NOT something I am willing to give up on right now...or ever. I truly love it. I am hoping to run events on layovers. Here's hoping!

treadmill

I ran on the treadmill today and practiced my announcements at the same time. For some odd reason, that helps. It must be the extra oxygen pumping to my brain.

Who knows...I'm just glad it works.

For the record, 5 miles today. Oh, and Saturday I ran 4 miles, did sit ups and arm weights. Ah...feels great!