I went to bed at Midnight last night

And woke up at 5:15 to go running. I seriously thought "What the HECK am I doing?!" & then continued to lay in bed because I thought it was still too dark out & I don't have any reflective gear to wear.
I finally started running at about 5:50 & headed to the school track (across the street). As soon as I got to it, I wanted to leave. I DETEST running on the track. I feel like a hamster on a wheel & am instantly bored the second I step on it. Everything I've read has said to learn to love the track, so I stayed. Luckily I only had to run 2 miles (was actually supposed to do it yesterday but had a migraine).
Now, it's ridiculously hot & humid out & I have a ton of things to do but no energy. Plus, the kids are actually playing quietly & I just want to enjoy that!

Please check this out!

Yep, another Etsy store. I now have 3 (although my cloth diaper store is on an extended vacation). This shop, however, will be strictly for fundraising. 50% of all sales will go towards my Team In Training fundraising.

*swoon*

This was a reward to myself. I love it. :) I had been using the Nike+ but don't miss it at all.

Feeling like a "real" runner :)

Why? I have a blister on my left foot & something awful going on with my 2nd toe on my right foot. I initially thought the nail was going to fall off but now I don't know what's going on with it. Lately, it seems to really be ramming into my shoe while running & it KILLS after. I cut my nails super short (not like insanely short or anything) in hopes that that would help, but it doesn't seem like it has. In fact, after my run this morning, I checked out my poor throbbing toe & it looks like there is a blood blister under it. Ouch! I Googled it & it looks like it's a pretty common runner problem. Ah, well.
Speaking of feeling like a real runner, today was the 1st time that I got up & ran before my husband left for work. I was scheduled to run 2 miles, so I figured I could I could get that done rather quickly. I don't think I'll be doing my longer runs in the morning, though. I like my sleep! :)
This Saturday's group run is 6 miles- eek! Then 7, then 8, then 9. Super eek!

1st 5 miler this morning!

Whew! Glad it was a group run, even though I didn't really see any of the other runners. Just knowing that they're nearby motivates me. Everytime we up the mileage (every 2 weeks), the new number really psyches me out. So it's nice to know that our coach is around, as well as our mentor.
Today was also the 1st time we ran by the zoo- very cool! Plus, I could hear the dinosaurs from the Dinosauria exhibit (going there next week!). :) The area has gorgeous homes & the streets are nice & quiet.
Tomorrow starts our 2 mile Sunday runs (we've been doing 1 mile). No more thinking "Meh, it's just a quick 1 mile run". Although, that in itself is insane that it's coming from me, the non-runner! :) I cannot wait to be like "Pssh- 5 miles? No biggie!". Slowly getting there! And actually, lately, it seems like my legs aren't the ones complaining about the runs- they seem to have caught on quite well. It's my lungs & not being able to catch my breath or take deep breaths. Still very much a work in progress!
Also a work in progress? Fundraising. That seems to be at a standstill. Ugh.

Running while on vacation

We stayed with my Aunt & her husband, who live near Dallas, Texas. There is a HUGE & gorgeous nature preserve by their house with lots of paved trails. HILLY trails! There was no way I was going to take pictures after our run- I looked like a hot mess! :)

Running is frustrating

I ran my 1st 4 miler today. I was supposed to do it yesterday, but since we didn't get home from vacation super late Friday night, we all slept in (myself, my husband & both kids). No worries- we needed it & I was still sick with a cold.
I was antsy to make it up today since I didn't want to make myself too far behind (today's schedule called for a 1 mile run). I still wasn't feeling that good, but forced myself. It definitely wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but there was definitely quite a bit of walking involved.
It's frustrating, though, because I see people posting on Facebook with their numerous miles ran or when I read running blogs where the writer casually posts about running 10+ miles that morning. I know I haven't been running very long (only, what? 2 months?) but I want to be good! I want to be able to effortlessly run far distances! I want to say that I ran 6 miles & not think anything of it! I know I'll get there & I know it takes time but, man, is it frustrating having to build up endurance.
I'll get there, right?!?