10 with Water

Mathis and I realized after our long runs last weekend that the time had come to invest in these...

For awhile I have been running with my handheld Nathan water bottle and sometimes I drop it along the way.  But the time has come when we both need the convenience of having water on us at all times.  And the belt is much more convenient than the handheld.  Earlier this week we each ordered a Nathan water belt from Amazon.com, and today was my first day to run with the belt.

Overall I really like the belt.  Here I am getting ready to head out the door today...

It took me awhile to find out where I liked having the belt.  I lowered it a bit after I set out the door, and I found that if it was lower and snug it didn't bounce as much.  The belt has a great pocket for me to carry my Orange GU and my BlackBerry.

Today's run was really good.  I ran the hills so my pace was a bit slower, but still right where I wanted it to be.  It was cold today (39 degrees), but the sun was out so it didn't feel so bad.  My clothes and earwarmers kept me feeling warm.  It was nice to have the mileage drop back a bit this week.  I'm thankful that Hal does this in his training program!  Next weekend is 15 miles, and I'm thinking I may try my first ice bath after the run!  Any suggestions on icing?!?!

Miles: 10
Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

Miles this Week: 20
Miles this Month: 20

Some Days it Just Clicks

Yesterday I hurried out the door to get a run in before our church homegroup.  I started off fast, which I knew might be a mistake because often I tire out after a mile or so.  But for some reason, the fast pace felt so good. My legs really wanted to move, and move them I did!

I kept the pace as fast as I could while still keeping it within my control to finish strong.  It started getting touch to keep going, but I pushed myself to finish strong. I was very excited when I made it three miles at such a fast pace without stopping.  This time is definitely a training PR.  I think the Fall weather really agrees with my running!! :)

I kid you not, during my run I saw the UPS man delivering this to my door...

Last weekend I decided to invest in a winter running jacket, and I ordered this one from nike.com.  I usually never buy clothes online, and I also usually wait for a sale, but I saw this jacket and fell in love.  And truth be told, to run in subfreezing temps you need a good jacket.  Let me just say that I LOVE THIS JACKET!!!  While I haven't actually run with it yet, I absolutely love the fit, feel, and breathability.  I wore it last night, and I cannot wait to wear it while running.  It has an optional hoodie, and the colors match my new shoes.  Purple really is my signature color! :)  The three color design is very flattering in my opinion, and the sleeves even have thumb holes.  I know that this jacket will get plenty of use in the upcoming months.  I think once I invest in some additional pants and a better earwarmer then I'll be all set to take on the harsh winter!  But for now I'm going to continue to relish in Fall! :)

Miles: 3
Time: 28 minutes, 14 seconds

Miles this Week: 10
Miles this Month: 57

Santa Must Be a Runner...

...because Santa sure blessed me with some GREAT running gifts this year!! :)

My sweet in-laws loaded me up with some great running accessories.  They gave me a long-sleeve Nike running shirt that will be perfect for those COLD days in VA!  It looks something like this...

I ran with it yesterday (forgot to post) on my 3 mile run, and it was great!  I LOVE it!!!  They also got me a sports bra to go with it.  I am so glad to have a good sports bra -- the ones I have are old cotton ones from back in high school. :)

They also gave me some Asics running socks, and a great new water bottle.

And my parents are going to buy me some new running shoes!!!!!!  I think the ones I have are still doing alright, but they're still buying me some for when I need to make the switch.  VERY sweet.  I know I want to stay with Asics, but I'm still researching which ones I want to get.

And that's not all!  My dad is going to let me train with his Garmin Forerunner 305.  I cannot tell you how excited I am to train with it.  I haven't run with it yet, but I'll give it a try later this week.

I really love getting new running accessories -- it really encourages me and makes my runs a lot more fun!  I feel so very blessed this year, and I hope you are able to say the same.

Miles: 3
Time: 34 minutes

Miles this Week: 6
Miles this Month: 20.5