Thank God this day only happens every 4 years

Day 176 - February 29, 2008

UGH!!!!!! After a long week at work, I left half an hour early today so that I could get in a decent run while it was still light out. Sounds like a great way to start a Friday night - right?!?!?

Well, I have no idea what was going on for the commute home, but my normal 30 minute drive took an hour and twenty minutes. I hate to admit it, but after an hour of sitting through traffic lights, I lost it. I was so angry. At two different intersections I sat through at least 10 light cycles. It was miserable.

I only had time for two miles after that debacle, but it was good to take the frustration out on the blacktop. It was relaxing to just get out into the darkness and shut out the world for a few minutes. I certainly didn't run at a pace that will impress anyone, but it was still good for the blood pressure.

I'm glad this isn't the 1637 days of running - I don't think I could handle another day like today.

Day: 176 Time/Date: 6:50 PM 2/29/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 46F
Run: Dahlia Miles: 2.0 Time: 15:15 Pace: 7:37 min/mile
Miles to Date: 630.4 Total Running Time: 77:09:00

Waiting to leap

Day 175 - February 28, 2008

I almost ran at 3 am this morning when I finally made it home from work, but I decided that running in the sunlight at 9 sounded much better. Even with the limited amount of sleep, it was nice to not have to rush off to work and force a run in the dark. Traffic was relatively light as well at that time, so it was quite relaxing.

I am ready for March and the hopefully warmer weather it will bring. I am pleased that I have maintained the streak through the three toughest, coldest, and darkest months of the year, but I am definitely ready for some green.

Day: 175 Time/Date: 8:50 AM 2/28/2008 Weather: Clear, 29F
Run: N Carnation-Davis Miles: 3.6 Time: 26:06 Pace: 7:15 min/mile
Miles to Date: 628.4 Total Running Time: 76:53:45

Another day down

Day 174 - February 27, 2008

Dry air moved in over night and it was a crisp, clear morning for a short run. Other than that, nothing special to report about this pre-sunrise run.

Day: 174 Time/Date: 6:45 AM 2/27/2008 Weather: Clear, 35F
Run: Amicus 2 mile Miles: 2.0 Time: 14:42 Pace: 7:21 min/mile
Miles to Date: 624.8 Total Running Time: 76:27:39

Dog in the Fog

Day 173 - February 26, 2008

I think I found a pace that is a little too quick for the dog tonight. After about 2 minutes, she was consistently 2 steps behind me and would drift back until I slowed to wait for her. I'm sure that won't last for long, but it was nice to know that I can still tire her out when I need to.

Today's rain set the stage for a thick fog tonight out there on the road. I was fortunate that I didn't have any cars come along because visibility was less than 50 feet at times. Teh really cool thing was that if I looked straight up, I could see a star or two. I guess that why they describe fog as blanketing the landscape.

Day: 173 Time/Date: 8:00 PM 2/26/2008 Weather: Foggy, 42F
Run: Dahlia Miles: 2.0 Time: 14:48 Pace: 7:24 min/mile
Miles to Date: 622.8 Total Running Time: 76:12:57

A Good Run?

Day 172 - February 25, 2008

Today's run was the best run I've had in weeks. I felt good the entire time and the 5+ miles wasn't that bad. It even was a pretty tough run with some serious hills. I guess I'll see how I respond tomorrow and if I'm sore at all. But the cold from last week seems to have finally let go and I can finish a run with out coughing up a lung.

Day: 172 Time/Date: 5:15 PM 2/25/2008 Weather: Clear, 49F
Run: Lamms Rd Miles: 5.2 Time: 36:29 Pace: 7:01 min/mile
Miles to Date: 620.8 Total Running Time: 75:58:09

Extra Running

Day 171 - February 24, 2008

Today I ran a nice run on Frays Mill Road, then followed it up with some untimed running around Dove Foxcroft. It was cool to run for fun and not worry about the watch, but I still probably added another mile and a quarter. A good end to the weekend.

Day: 171 Time/Date: 2:30 PM 2/24/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 47F
Run: Frays Mill Miles: 4.6 Time: 34:53 Pace: 7:35 min/mile
Miles to Date: 615.6 Total Running Time: 75:21:40

A little bit further

Day 170 - February 23, 2008

Finally something longer than 3 miles. It was a struggle to keep going today. I was really tight and the drive to push harder just wasn't there. I stopped to stretch once, but every single rise in grade looked like a mountain to me. I hope the energy returns soon. I need to get out of this funk that my cold has left me in.

Day: 170 Time/Date: 4:45 PM 2/23/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 41F
Run: N Carnation-Davis Miles: 3.6 Time: 25:23 Pace: 7:03 min/mile
Miles to Date: 611 Total Running Time: 74:46:47

They all blend together

Day 169 - February 22, 2008

I am officially losing it. I would have sworn I logged my run and posted yesterday. I even pulled the laptop out last night and convinced myself that I didn't need to. I guess that just goes to show that not even I am reading my blog.

Yesterday's ice storm made it a little slick in some spots, but overall not too bad. I'm still struggling to find my energy after the two week battle with that cold, but everyday I feel a little bit better.

Day: 169 Time/Date: 6:45 AM 2/22/2008 Weather: Freezing Rain, 28F
Run: Dahlia Miles: 2.0 Time: 15:27 Pace: 7:44 min/mile
Miles to Date: 607.4 Total Running Time: 74:21:24

The quiet before the storm

Day 168 - February 21, 2008

Time was short today so I only managed a quick run with the dog. It is scary how fast she has improved her endurance.

Day: 168 Time/Date: 9:00 PM 2/21/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 32F
Run: Dahlia Miles: 2.0 Time: 15:02 Pace: 7:31 min/mile
Miles to Date: 605.4 Total Running Time: 74:05:57

Dude I Could Have Run During a Lunar Eclipse

Day 167 - February 20, 2008

My original plan was to run after all of my meetings for the day/night had ended which would have been around 9:30 PM. But, I found that I had just enough time to squeeze in a quick run between dinner and the first evening meeting, while it was still light out, so I took it. I was all proud of myself for getting the run done and not procrastinating. As I walked out of my last meeting, I was so excited that I was finally done. I looked up at the crystal clear sky and something was not right - the moon, which had been nearly full yesterday, was only a partial sliver. I mentioned it to a friend and she was like duh - it was in the paper.

I can't believe I had missed it. How often do you have the opportunity to run by eclipse light? With my photography habit, I'm usually on top of predictable, cool natural phenomena, but I completely missed this one. At least I have another 833 days for another chance.

Day: 167 Time/Date: 6:00 PM 2/20/2008 Weather: Clear, 35F
Run: Amicus 2 mile Miles: 2.0 Time: 14:09 Pace: 7:04 min/mile
Miles to Date: 603.4 Total Running Time: 73:50:55

Finally something longer than 2 miles

Day 166 - February 19, 2008

I still felt like garbage this morning, so I put off the run until tonight after the kids had gone to bed. Feeling much better, I set out on a 3.5 mile run with the dog. There was a full moon lighting the way and I felt great starting out. Shortly into the run, I realized that I needed to compromise and cut the run a little shorter. I still felt like there was a weight on my chest, and making myself sick again will not help me get ready for that 10 miler.

On another note, I did finally pass the 600 mile mark. I'd like to get to at least 725 by day 200 which is just over a month away - I must be feeling better if I'm setting mini-goals.

Day: 166 Time/Date: 7:30 PM 2/19/2008 Weather: Clear, 34F
Run: Goldenrod-Daffodil Miles: 2.7 Time: 20:30 Pace: 7:36 min/mile
Miles to Date: 601.4 Total Running Time: 73:36:46

One Day From 600 miles

Day 165 - February 18, 2008

This cold has really knocked me off pace for the month. I should have hit 600 miles almost a week ago. Better to be sick now I guess rather than the week of the 10 miler.

Day: 165 Time/Date: 7:00 AM 2/18/2008 Weather: Foggy, 42F
Run: Amicus 2 mile Miles: 2.0 Time: 14:27 Pace: 7:13 min/mile
Miles to Date: 598.7 Total Running Time: 73:16:16

It could be the next olympic event

Day 164 - February 17, 2008

Either I'm better medicated or I'm starting to make the turn. I let the dog run with me again today and she is getting much better at not crossing in front of me. I only had to dog hurdle once today.

Day: 164 Time/Date: 11:20 AM 2/17/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 44F
Run: Dahlia Miles: 2.0 Time: 14:56 Pace: 7:28 min/mile
Miles to Date: 596.7 Total Running Time: 73:01:49

Will it ever end

Day 163 - February 16th, 2008

The cold that just won't die. 2 more miles.

Day: 163 Time/Date: 9:00 AM 2/16/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 37F
Run: Amicus 2 mile Miles: 2.0 Time: 14:49 Pace: 7:24 min/mile
Miles to Date: 594.7 Total Running Time: 72:46:53

Cough, cough

Day 162 - February 15, 2008

Another 2 mile run while I nurse this cold.

Day: 162 Time/Date: 6:45 AM 2/15/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 33F
Run: Dahlia Miles: 2.0 Time: 15:40 Pace: 7:50 min/mile
Miles to Date: 592.7 Total Running Time: 72:32:04

Dog days of February

Day 161 - February 14, 2008

Took the dog for a short slow jog tonight. Just another run to keep the streak alive. Hopefully by the weekend I will have shaken this cold.

Day: 161 Time/Date: 6:00 PM 2/14/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 40F
Run: Dahlia Miles: 2.0 Time: 16:04 Pace: 8:02 min/mile
Miles to Date: 590.7 Total Running Time: 72:16:24

Another First

Day 160 - February 13, 2008

After 159 straight days of running outdoors, tonight I decided to avoid the cold and wind by running on the treadmill. It has been years since I've run on a treadmill and it was just as boring as I remember. I pushed the speed up as high as I could and finished the 2 miles. I'll be glad when this cold is done and I can go back to running for running and not running the minimum to count another day.


Day: 160 Time/Date: 9:40 PM 2/13/2008 Weather: Indoor, 66F
Run: Treadmill Miles: 2.0 Time: 13:20 Pace: 6:40 min/mile
Miles to Date: 588.7 Total Running Time: 72:00:20

That was a first

Day 159 - February 12, 2008

Nothing like a little freezing rain to run in when you still don't feel well. The roads were not too bad, but watch out for those manhole covers - they were slick. It pretty much drizzled the entire time, and at 28 degrees was pretty miserable. It was so cold that the rain actually froze solid on my shirt. It was a solid sheet, like I had left the shirt out overnight. I've never had that happen before on a run. I'm glad that run is done.

Day: 159 Time/Date: 5:15 PM 2/12/2008 Weather: Freezing Rain, 28F
Run: 4 Seasons Loop Miles: 4.0 Time: 29:01 Pace: 7:15 min/mile
Miles to Date: 586.7 Total Running Time: 71:47:00

I hate being sick

Day 158 - February 11, 2008

It has been a rough few days for me. I've been fighting a cold since the weather turned back cold. So until I shake it, I'll continue to run shorter distances.


Day: 158 Time/Date: 7:55 PM 2/11/2008 Weather: Clear, 28F
Run: Amicus 2 mile Miles: 2.0 Time: 13:47 Pace: 6:53 min/mile
Miles to Date: 582.7 Total Running Time: 71:17:59

Ran out of hours

Day 157 - February 10, 2008

Some days there just are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. But I did run in the windstorm. Sorry for the delayed post.

Day: 157 Time/Date: 7:00 PM 2/10/2008 Weather: Clear, windy, 30F
Run: Amicus 2 mile Miles: 2.0 Time: 14:10 Pace: 7:05 min/mile
Miles to Date: 580.7 Total Running Time: 71:04:12

Sitting Bull Probably had Sore Legs too

Day 156 - February 9, 2008

After a day of sitting on my butt all day in a class, my legs were totally shot this morning. They actually ached just laying in bed. I still got out and put in a few miles, but I'm finding it very difficult to force myself into a long run. The urgency is coming.

Day: 156 Time/Date: 6:30 AM 2/9/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 34F
Run: N Carnation-Davis Miles: 3.6 Time: 26:17 Pace: 7:18 min/mile
Miles to Date: 578.7 Total Running Time: 70:50:02

Seriously, flurries?

Day 155 - February 8, 2008

Hard to believe that it was 63 degrees two mornings ago when I did this same run. Today there were snow flurries. Gotta love February in Virginia.

Day: 155 Time/Date: 7:15 AM 2/8/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 34F
Run: Amicus 2 mile Miles: 2.0 Time: 14:21 Pace: 7:10 min/mile
Miles to Date: 575.1 Total Running Time: 70:23:45

Another week down

Day 154 - February 7, 2008

The route I chose today is one that I have run several times in the past, but I never remember just how hilly it is until I'm doing it. It reminds me of running on a roller coaster track. It's up, it's down, it's a turn to the left, a turn to the right. There can't be more than 50 yards of continuous flat, straight running. I felt good out there this evening, and even with the hills, it was one of those effortless runs on the way out. I started to get tired around 3.5 miles, but I've taken a big jump in miles this week. I've run 30 in the last seven days. Looking ahead to the next week, and I should top the 600 mile mark. Not bad for a little over 5 months of running.

Day: 154 Time/Date: 8:30 PM 2/7/2008 Weather: Clear, 35F
Run: 5 Hill 4.4 Miles: 4.4 Time: 32:28 Pace: 7:23 min/mile
Miles to Date: 573.1 Total Running Time: 70:09:24

I wonder if the weather man has it right today?

Day 153 - February 6, 2008

Contemplated doing a longer run after work, but the threat of thunderstorms motivated me to run early. Unfortunately, that only allowed a 15 minute window since I couldn't drag my butt out of bed any earlier. But 60+ degrees at 5 am in February is ok by me.

Day: 153 Time/Date: 5:15 AM 2/6/2008 Weather: Clear, 63F
Run: Amicus 2 mile Miles: 2.0 Time: 14:06 Pace: 7:03 min/mile
Miles to Date: 568.7 Total Running Time: 69:36:56

Morning Fog or Foggy Morning

Day 152 - February 5, 2008

According to my watch I ran for 26 and a half minutes this morning, but other than residual leg soreness, I couldn't tell you anything about it.

Day: 152 Time/Date: 6:00 AM 2/5/2008 Weather: Foggy, 47F
Run: Geranium-Amicus Miles: 3.5 Time: 26:30 Pace: 7:34 min/mile
Miles to Date: 566.7 Total Running Time: 69:22:50

Why is predicting the weather so hard?

Day 151 - February 4, 2008

I swear I don't know why I watch the weather forecast. Last night, our local weather person gave the thumbs up for a great day today with temperatures in the high 50's. So at 5 am, when I saw that it was really frosty out, I thought hey I can run after work when it is all warm out. That gave me plenty of time to get ready for work and I even stopped to wash all the salt off the car this morning. About 30 minutes after getting to work, the skies opened up. Why do people say skies anyway? IS there really more than one sky? Anyway...it rained for most of the day. So much for 10% chance of rain. By late afternoon, the rain had stopped and it looked like it was going to be ok for the run.

Well, wouldn't you know, a mile and a half into the run I felt the first drop. Within about 3.8 seconds, it was pouring. I was drenched. The rain finally relented to a steady drizzle about 2 miles later and continued the rest of the way. So much for timing today.

But, long story short, I got in another quality run of 5+ miles at a decent pace. I don't see a long run happening this week unless I can squeeze it in on Thursday. Hopefully I can find a way to build up my long run endurance quickly - but it usually doesn't work that way.

Day: 151 Time/Date: 5:40 PM 2/4/2008 Weather: Rain, 48F
Run: AVIR 5.7 Miles: 5.7 Time: 40:15 Pace: 7:04 min/mile
Miles to Date: 563.2 Total Running Time: 68:56:20

That which does not kill a dog makes it stronger

Day 150 - February 3, 2008

Another nice day here in Virginia, so I took advantage by stretching out the distance a bit. I would have gone further, but I was feeling yesterday's hills. The warm weather must be having an effect on me. I actually took the dog with me for my warm-up and cool down. She liked it, but was dragging by the time we got back. I'm sure I'll be regretting this soon enough if she keeps coming with me. She'll get stronger much faster than I will.

Day: 150 Time/Date: 12:00 PM 2/3/2008 Weather: Partly Cloudy, 55F
Run: Random Miles Miles: 5.5 Time: 39:11 Pace: 7:07 min/mile
Miles to Date: 557.5 Total Running Time: 68:16:05

Dumb Groundhogs

Day 149 - February 2, 2008

It seems to me that silly groundhog has it all backwards. Why on earth would you let your shadow scare you back underground when the weather is so warm and perfect? I mean really, if there is going to be 6 more weeks of winter, why not enjoy a warm February day? For me, it was the perfect day to be outside and enjoy a long relaxing run. Ok, 6 miles isn't that long, but it was nice to be out for more than 25 minutes and not have to worry about cars seeing me in the dark. I know there is more cold weather to come, but for me, I'll get out and enjoy the sun when we get these unseasonably warm days.

Day: 149 Time/Date: 4:30 PM 2/2/2008 Weather: Cloudy, 47F
Run: Jonquil Loop Miles: 5.9 Time: 43:34 Pace: 7:23 min/mile
Miles to Date: 552.0 Total Running Time: 67:36:54

A New Month Begins

Day 148 - February 1, 2008

This morning the rain was coming down so hard the dog wouldn't even go out. I decided running on frozen roads in a pouring rain was not going to help my training. So I waited and got in a decent run after work. It was still damp and cold, but clear sunny skies definitely made it easier to take.

Day: 148 Time/Date: 4:50 PM 2/1/2008 Weather: Cloudy, windy, 47F
Run: Geranium-Amicus Miles: 3.5 Time: 25:32 Pace: 7:18 min/mile
Miles to Date: 546.1 Total Running Time: 66:53:20