Everybody into the pool

Mom and Dad came out for my cloudy morning recovery workout.

I jogged a couple steps, and when it felt OK, I decided to run to the mile to their house. We walked 2 miles before it was picture time:

Then I ran home! 4.07 miles in all:

YAY! Feeling great :)

Recovery with Mom

It was Mom's turn to accompany me on my morning workout today. I'm feeling really great after Sunday's marathon, so I decided a nice recovery walk was in order. 

First, I swapped out my shoes for brand-new Saucony Guides. So pretty!

I walked to Mom's house, then we did a couple miles together before I continued home.

Of course, sporting my Vancouver USA Marathon finisher's shirt :)

Nice 4.04 miles to start my day :)

So, I ran another marathon...

Seven weeks ago, I had one of the most disappointing moments of my life when I didn't live up to my own expectations at the Eugene Marathon. But I knew I could do better, and I wanted to prove it to myself.

With Brad's encouragement, and after a couple strong post-marathon runs (Hippie Chick Half), I signed up for the Vancouver USA Marathon. I planned to keep it on the DL to avoid all the outside pressure that impacted me so much at Eugene.

Prepping for this race was totally different. I was relaxed and had only one goal: to have fun! Any PR would be a bonus. I didn't over think it. I just went out for a run.

We also changed my race strategy. I decided to stick closer to a 10:30-11:00 pace so I could finish stronger.

We agreed that if I bombed again, we would never speak of it again :)

Short version: I nailed it!

I had a blast - and a huge PR!

I'll post pics and a race recap soon :)

Running and dreaming of climbing

Dad responded to last night's "wanna run in the am?" text with "I will pass, sorry." Wiener!

So when I heard the rain dripping outside this morning and knew I didn't have a running partner to meet, I decided to do my short run in the garage.

Love the new birthday shirt and headband from Kari, Vicki, Kayla and Jessie! Thanks, ladies :)

I opened both garage doors while I watched some Vertical Limit and ran 3.14 miles. Man, that movie is so bad. My favorite part is when the guy is sliding down the mountain, falls off the cliff and catches the edge with his ice axe and saves himself. Right.

:)

3...2...1...

WOOHOO!!!! :)

Rock star hot dogs run again

The hot dogs live again!

Luann joined us this year for the Starlight Run. The hot dogs were such an amazingly huge hit last year that we wore them again.

Ready to go!

I had SO much fun! Again, the crowd went absolutely insane for the hot dogs. Unbelievable :)

The finish:

Thanks to Luann for playing with us :)

Wheezy morning run

It never gets old seeing the sunrise as I leave for my morning run. This view is from my front porch:

I had the beginnings of a cold a week ago. It never turned into anything, but Saturday morning I woke with laryngitis. My colds often settle there, so I guess my body was fighting it all along. I feel fine, but Sunday, I could hardly talk at all. Today I sound husky ;)

Brad got up early with me to go for a run. My legs felt good, but my breathing was labored and wheezy. It's obvious that I was breathing through the inflamed larynx!

We went into the park again. I love having a male escort!

We managed 5.11 miles before I had to jump in the shower and rush to work. I almost made it on time.

Happy Monday :)