7.2 mi run

Yesterday Stephen and I went for a 7.2 mile run after our intramural Ultimate frisbee game (which our team won!). I had a stitch in my side starting around the 2.5-mile mark and later around the 5-mile mark. I don't know if it's just because it's been awhile since I last ran or because I was tired after frisbee. I also wore my knee wrap just because it was bothering me a bit at the game on Saturday.

4.1 mi run

I feel bad because I haven't posted a blog in forever, mostly because it means I haven't exercised in forever. I've been a bit stressed out and busy with marching band and classes the past few weeks. Unfortunately, I've been letting that get in the way of my personal well-being. So the goal from here on out is to not let that happen. I started by going on a 4.11 mile run this evening. I got to try out the new running watch my parents got me for my birthday. I ran for 37:35, so my pace was about 9:08 per mile. It's not the best, but I didn't really expect any better after taking two weeks off. So the goal is to keep ramping up my distance and time before the Des Moines half in October. I'm also going to take a look at the Zumba schedule and try to fit that in at least once a week!

8.2 mi run

I got a long run in today! The 8.2 miles were brutal, to be honest. It was so humid, so I'm really sweaty right now. I think I may be dehydrated (surprise, surprise...). My goal for the week is to drink more water! However, once I cool down, I'm going to watch MIB 3 on the Hawthorne Court green with Chelsey. What a good way to end the weekend!

3.7 mi run

I got in another quick run today. The weather has been amazing for running! My boyfriend and I ran 3.7 miles around campus. Running with him makes jogging so much easier (though I'm pretty certain we go faster than I go on my own!).

3.5 mi run

I finally got to (or more accurately, convinced myself to) run this evening. The weather was gorgeous for it! My feet hurt a bit from marching band, because the entire past week has been band camp. Still, once I got going, I completely forgot about my sore feet, tired legs, and tense shoulders. I just started feeling happy and strong again. I was going slowly, but I was going. It was definitely worth it!

3.5 mi run

Yesterday morning I got in a 3.5 mile run. I've haven't been running much. This past weekend I was home with my family, so I got to walk with my mom and sister. We walked 3 miles one day and 2 another day. I love getting to exercise and talk to them! Talk about being truly happy!

I also ran a bit this morning. I thought I had a lot to do, so today's run was very short! My time freed up, though, so now I actually get to write this blog! I don't have internet access in my apartment, so I'm enjoying a mocha in the community center while I type. It's perfect for a cool, cloudy day! Have a great Thursday!

2.87 mi run

So much for slowly increasing my distance...it's just so hard to run for long periods of time when you only have your iPod to keep you company.  This run was a bit rough (probably because I drank a root beer shortly about 2 hours before running).  I try not to buy pop, but my mom sent me with an assorted 12-pack of cans that included Vanilla Coke, A&W Root Beer, and caffeine-free Dr. Pepper at the beginning of the summer.  And I love her for picking out my favorite pops!  I just know it's not great for runners...

But here's a quick happiness thing; I spent most of this past weekend in cut-off jean shorts and flip flops and LOVED IT!  I'm normally not a flip flop person and usually dress up more, but I just had a relaxing "do nothing" weekend with my family.  It was so great!

4.76 mi run

I went for a nice 4.76-mile run this evening, since the weather was actually decent (meaning it was 81 degrees).  I drank a lot of pop over the weekend, so this run was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be! I ran it in about 40 minutes.  I had no problems with my knee, which was wonderful!

I also did Zumba this morning.  We added some new songs, like "Where Have You Been" by Rihanna and "Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO, which I enjoyed.  It's a great way to get pumped up for the day!

I also went on a three mile walk with my mom the other day.  She's going to walk the Des Moines IMT Half Marathon with my aunt and my little sister in October (my twin sister, uncle, and I are going to run it).  It's always good exercise, but my favorite part of the walk is getting to talk to my mom.  That's something that just makes me so happy.  

2.06 mi run

It was a short one today!  I was going to go for a run around 7:30 this evening, but the heat index was 104!  I waited an hour, but even when I returned from my jog, the heat index was 94.  Oofta!  That's one reason why I kept this one short.  The other reason was that this was my "make up for all the horrible things you ate and all the exercise you didn't do over the weekend" run (in other words, I needed a quick jog to get it out of my system and get back in the habit of exercising).  My stomach was hurting by the end, so I am glad I didn't try to go any longer.

I also did some ab workouts today!  I just did the basic crunches/bicycles/plank things we do in Zumba to "I Like It" by Enrique Iglesias.

4.59 mi run

I finally got to that 4.5 mark (and then some!). I ran basically the same route today with a few bigger loops in there.  I think it's a bit hillier going this way! This time my other knee gave me a bit of trouble, but only for a few seconds.

We had a huge storm in Grinnell earlier today, so I was dodging quite a few fallen branches and some fallen trees. One small tree was completely torn out of the ground! Please keep Grinnell in your prayers!

4.48 mi run

I just finished a nice jog.  I haven't been running nearly as much as I'd like, so I was proud of the 4+ miles I hit today.  I didn't "map my run" until after I ran... I was SO CLOSE to the 4.5 mark!  It got really hard for me shortly after I finished the second mile.  My knee started hurting, so I was a bit worried, but by the end of the third mile, I was fine.  I think I just needed to get my stride; I could have jogged longer but I wanted to practice my piccolo for community band (I'm playing the Stars and Stripes solo on Thursday).  

I also found a deal on Groupon for this 5K Kosama Warrior Water Run in Des Moines on July 14th.  I haven't registered yet, but I may have convinced two of my besties to participate with me!  I think it will be challenging but super fun as well.  I can't wait to get all muddy (I can't believe I just said that...).  Here's info about the race if you are interested.