Sixth Group Run

Kristen wasn't able to make it to our group run this week because she was off running a marathon (Hope it went well, Coach!) So, Kate and Erika, the other team mentor, planned a route for us and off we went. The group was also a little smaller this week because Matt and Ben weren't there. This week Chris and I were to run 9 miles.

It was chilly out, so Ol' Neon (my fleece pullover) made an appearance. I thought I'd eventually get too warm in it, seeing as how it was so sunny, and the day was sure to warm up, and we'd be running for such a long time, and I am really, REALLY willing the winter weather to be gone once and for all.... but it stayed chilly out, and I never got warm enough to run in just a T-shirt. I can't wait until it's warm enough for shorts and a T-shirt at 8:00am every time! Not that I'm complaining - We've been so lucky with all of our long runs so far. It hasn't snowed or rained yet.

(OK, I know I totally just jinxed myself and my teammates.)

Erika had set up three water stops for us, and a fourth for the people who were running more. (I think Kate and Christine ran 12, is that right, girls?) Erika isn't running with us because she's preggers, so she was there at two of the stops and had left a bag full of water, Dixie cups, and so

me PowerBar Gel Blasts on the sidewalk at the other stop. I don't really like those chews, so I had brought myself a Fruitabu and I ate it at the half-way point.

The run felt long. It felt a lot longer than 8 miles did, which may have had something to do with the fact that we didn't stop a lot because we didn't get lost this time. ;-) We made it though, and I am so proud of Chris because he made it the WHOLE WAY without walking even once this time! GO CHRIS!

We didn't meet up with the rest of the group after our run for the first time. Brenda had run 6 miles and seemed to have left, so Chris and I stretched out at the store and waited for a little while to see Kate, Christine and Erika. Buuuut, we got too hungry and bored, so we left. Uhh, sorry girls! We did leave a message with the store clerks to tell them we were at Panera, in case the others wanted to find us. No one came looking for us though...WEIRD!

When Chris and I got home, we watched TV and put our feet up for hours. Our knees were not feeling what you'd call "good". Chris has introduced me to the best product ever though. The Icy Hot Sleeve! This thing rocks. It's snug, so it take care of the icing and compression in RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). The sitting and watching TV took care of the rest. Today, aside from a few sudden sharp pains I got while driving, my knees have felt fine. That assessment doesn't sound great, I know, but it's so much better than having a constant achy pain!

In other news, I need to find a new fun way to do some cross-training, since I had my last ice-skating lesson today! I even got myself a sweeeeet diploma:

I know that doesn't have my name on it, but TRUST ME, I graduated. And got one of the same little certificates that they gave out to all of the five-year-olds! I felt so cool!

Now I guess I should throw myself a graduation party. Oh, wait, I know! I'll just invite everyone to come and celebrate this amazing achievement of mine at one of the many parties coming up to benefit the LLS! That includes the three Margaritas nights on April 9, May 9, and June 7, and the one at the Fours on April 24. Tickets are now on sale for Acoustic for a Cause, and I honestly think it's going to be a blast. Click here to get your ticket:

THE END