When it's good, it's really, really good!

The last two runs have been pretty darn good.

Friday was my first Friday and the start of the long weekend.  After a teleconference with the Philippines, Maddie and I were out the door and running. 

When we run by ourselves, we run a bit of a different route that allows Maddie to be off-leash for small stretches.  This is good for both of us as it allows each of us to run at our own pace or, as in Maddie's case, chase that squirrel up the tree.  We run past softball fields and ponds, through Carrolls Woods Park and experience a few hills. 

Unbeknownst to me, part of our route was being used for a school race, so we were running into groups of young, energetic kids for about half a mile.  They make it look so effortless.  I hate them. Not really, I just felt my age - a lot.

We ran 5 miles with an average pace of 11:22 min/mile. Looking at my records from a year ago, that's almost the exact same pace. This was kind of discouraging, but I shouldn't let it be.  At least I haven't slowed down!!

Today's run saw us out the door at 5 a.m.  It's REALLY dark at 5 a.m. so I opted for the route we usually run with Sue & Josie as it's pretty well lit.  I had a plan based on an idea my daughter gave me.  I would run 10 minutes, walk 1.  This went really well, but for a small change - I ran the first two miles without stopping then walked 1 minute.  I worked this routine for the entire 5.75 mile route and averaged a 10:42 min/mile.  Looking at my stats on mapmyrun.com, I really did keep it fairly tight for time. 

I think I'm running very close to my donation miles but I've got about $750 dollars to make my goal. I'd sure appreciate the extra motivation and LLS would appreciate the donation. 

In 2012, 300 LLS-supported research projects represented a total commitment of nearly $236 million around the world. Nearly $2.4 million is allocated right here in Minnesota! That's pretty impressive!

To make a donation - please go to http://pages.lightthenight.org/mn/TwinCt1212/reneehedstrom

Oh and I'm still looking for some tune suggestions!  Leave a note with a song suggestion and why you think it'd be a good tune for running.

Thanks a bunch!!

What happens when a mileage junkie meets a time junkie?

Running Buddy is a self-confessed mileage junkie.  She loves running and running and running - she's kind of like the Energizer Bunny!  I'm content to be done after 3 or 5 miles, but she can keep going.  She actually starts to get into her rhythm and get stronger by mile 3.

I'm a time junkie, I always want to see an improvement in our time during all that running and running.  I don't think I ever get into a rhythm or stronger, I just want to get through it and the sooner the better. 

It's a match made in heaven, I think. 

I love the runs where we're both feeling good, where the bodies are performing as they should and I'm always so very grateful that we never feel crappy at the same time.  When I'm having a bad run, she knows just the things to say, when to push me harder.  Since she's always been the stronger of the two of us, I've not had a lot of experience with encouraging her.  Lately, however, RB's had some tougher runs and I've been able to encourage her.  It's brought a bit of balance to our relationship and I like that.

Having support like Running Buddy helps get one through the tough times, the hard miles and to finish strong.  LLS is there to provide the same kind of support, education and other services to patients and their families.  If you or someone you know have recently been diagnosed with a leukemia or lymphoma or are in the midst of the battle, check out your local LLS chapter.  You can find them at http://www.lls.org/.  If you want to find out more ways to help, that same site will point you to many of the programs the Society makes available, like Pennies for Patients, Team in Training and Light the Night.   

Thursday's run -
4.63 miles
11:56 minute/mile
Temp. - 66-73 degrees
Humidity - 55%

Pretty comfortable!