Water, Water, Water

Despite the high temperature this evening, I was inspired to go for a run. I did not go because Saturday is a running day or because I needed some time alone. I was inspired by the bubblegum-pink running shorts that I bought today. I was excited because they were cute and on clearance; I was also happy because they were a size smaller than I normally wear but looked big enough to fit. However, when I put them on after dinner, they looked more like spandex than cotton. I immediately got out my running shoes and left the house.

I knew it was going to be very warm and humid this weekend, so I was going to fore go my run. I didn't prepare myself to be out in the heat. I felt worn out only five minutes into my run, but I initially blamed it on the heat. Then I thought back on some of my recent four to five mile runs that required running in very high humidity; I didn't feel this bad during those runs. I then realized that I hadn't had any water all day. My day was filled with my children, cleaning the house, and the weekly shopping. I had only had coffee and juice all day long, and I felt horrible. Of course, I had to finish my run, not only because I was upset about my too-small-bubblegum-pink shorts, but also because I had to prove a point to myself. Although it was dangerous, I continued my run. By the time I returned home, my teeth felt loose (from clenching my jaw), and I had a headache. I chugged about 20 ounces of water right away, and I'm starting to feel better now.

I have learned my lesson: I need to keep hydrated if I'm going to have enough energy to fit into my new shorts.

Happy running!

Friends

When I first started running, I read a book by Jeff Galloway. Among many, many useful tips was a blurb about running with friends. Unfortunately, I didn't take Jeff up on his advice. I've been going at it on my own for the most part. However, I made a change today.

This morning, a friend (and runner) made a comment to me about my blog; she said that it was great, and this made me pretty proud of what I have been doing. It made me happy to know that people are reading my blog and hopefully being encouraged by it. Also, it helped me understand what my buddy, Mr. Galloway, said about friends. It seems as though my running journey has made some of my bonds with friends, who happen to also be runners, stronger.

My conversation this morning stuck with me all day and made me think to call another friend for a run tonight. Not only was it a splendid night for a run, as the fireflies were out, the magnolias were in bloom, and the temperature was perfect, but it was better because I was with a friend. We were able to catch up while running, which made us run a little farther than planned (2.7 m). Also, it was nice to run at someone else's pace. She runs slower but twice as long before a walk break. It was a nice change. I think I'll do this more often.

Happy running!