2 runs in a row

Since it was finally dry, albeit with 88-degree heat at 4:30, I decided to run even after running yesterday. I rode my bike up to the soccer fields, managed 20 minutes on the grass, and that was enough. I felt bulky and tired easily, but this will be a good endurance builder. Part of this is I'm trying to lose weight -- which is so difficult. I've been working hard lately, at running and work outside, etc.

Friday, I'm going to run 35 minutes, 4ish miles.

2 miles -- 5.6 miles for week.

15 miles on new shoes

Run in CJ

I felt kind of heavy as I was running in Columbus Junction. I warmed up 5 minutes on the track, I ran 15 minutes with Marina and Rachel, Columbus City Loop, then did about 12-13 minutes on the track again. One 2:10 lap for about 8:40 pace.

3.6 miles

Miles on shoes -- 13

Slugging it out

I had a difficult run Sunday for a couple of reasons:
1. I had worked all day the day before building Brooklyn's sandbox and hauling sand.
2. It was extremely humid at 1 in the afternoon.
3. I had walked with Tammy for 40 minutes just before running.

I did 4 x 5-minute loops, up those windy hills at Old Threshers. About 30 minutes.

Miles for week 12.3. Miles on shoes -- 9

Good run in CJ

This was a nice 25-minute run with Caitlyn, Taylor, and Kylie in Columbuus Junction. Despite the 75 degrees/humidity. These guys are establishing a good base for an outstanding cross country season. With these three, Marina, and maybe Heaven and/or Kara, etc., I like our girls' team. I'm at the right conditioning level to run with them right now. My new shoes feel great. Saucony guide 3. Then when I got back I ran 5 minutes on the track, for 30 minutes total. I probably ran 3 1/3 miles.

9.3 miles total for the week, 6.3 miles on new shoes

New start

Today I felt like I am finally turning the corner on this calf strain problem. It's hit me twice while running the last 3-4 weeks. But after taking time off, Monday I ran at Columbus Junction with some cross country kids -- 25 minutes for the Columbus City loop. Today, I ran the bike path around the school and to the park and back -- about 28 minutes. I believe the problem, possibly, could have been shoes. The old shoes had close to 300 miles, and I just bought some new Saucony Guide 3s for today's run. The time off has definitely hurt my conditioning, but I can make that up. I'm just happy the calf didn't cramp up.

Miles for week -- 6

Miles on new shoes -- 3

Spirited run

Tonight I ran 10 minutes to the soccer field, stretched and did my drills (skipping, butt kicks, high knees), then felt very strong and ran pretty hard. I ran well, and after my long run on Saturday, I feel like I am reaching another level.

3.5 miles

272 miles on shoes

2 runs

Friday morning at 5:15 a.m., I ran the 2.5 mile loop on the bike path before we took off for the Cubs' game. It felt good.

Today in Iowa City, we came up to babysit Brooklyn while Alyse worked, and I ran to Hickory Hill Park and back. It was about 57 minutes. I wore the thick socks, absentmindedly, and almost developed a blister. I don't think I did, though. My legs feel so strong and ready to put some more fast stuff on them.

2.5, 6 mile runs. 16.5 for the week.

268.5 miles on shoes