I apologize for not updating my progress sooner.  As every new school year does, this one has certainly brought its challenges.  For the 1^st time in 8 years, Blake and Camren are in different schools and on different schedules.  I’ve made the training a priority however posting my updates has been shuffled to the back of my “to do” list.  It does look like we are finally settling into a routine so I should be able to get back on track.

My training is coming along well and Paul and I continue to run every Tuesday and Thursday evening.  Those runs are 3 or 4 miles, depending on the homework load AND what time Blake and I get home from his cross country practice.  Saturday is still my long run day and two weeks ago I ran 12 miles for my long run.  It was a terrible morning (even at 6:00 a.m., it was already hot and muggy).  At the end of the first 7 miles, I planned to stop at our driveway, grab a Powerade and my sunglasses.  (Next time I’ll remember to leave a small towel to wipe the sweat from my face so I will be able to see!)  Usually, once I stop in the middle of a run, I struggle to resume my pace and this run would be no different.  So, I took it as a sign that it was a perfect opportunity to start practicing the run/walk strategy that I will probably need to get through the 26 miles.  So, for the next 5 miles, I practiced my 10/2 strategy (running 10 minutes & walking 2 minutes).  I was concerned with how this would work but it was fine.  I just had to stay honest, pay attention to my watch and keep those time intervals in check.  It took 2 hrs and 27 minutes to complete 12 miles and I was very happy with that.  It was a very hot morning, my legs were tired from the increased mileage during the week and my running top was causing a very uncomfortable chafe.  Unfortunately, I kept that sick, dehydrated feeling most of the day and never really felt better until I ate a good meal later for supper.

This past Saturday, Paul and I tried something different.  Blake had cross country practice at Highland Road Park so we decided that we’d try it too.  Bad idea, I should’ve listened to Timbeaux.  Running on hills with wet grass is not safe for me.  Add a couple of disc golfers and a 100 talented high school kids from various schools (who are also running), and it just gets worse.  I ran the two mile course and quit.  I felt inadequate and I kept looking over my shoulder to make sure I wasn’t going to get run over.  Paul thoroughly enjoyed it and he’ll do it again.  I’ll probably find another way to get my training in while Blake is at practice…

This is Flash and I’m running on faith that I’ll settle in a routine soon so I can get back on track with my posts and keep my “fans” interested in my training progress!