Sunday, November 28, 2010

holiday running

And like that Thanksgiving Day has come and gone. I'm very happy to be back in my own bed for the night at least. It was a long weekend on the in-laws pull out couch.

There was no Turkey Trot for me. None were happening in or around the small central Illinois town. Instead, I woke up early enough to go for a run before we had to go elsewhere to celebrate the day by stuffing ourselves. Going for a run is kind of difficult when staying with the in-laws. No one likes me to walk out the front door and run because of all the country roads. I don't mind too much but they all freak out. At least they care ;) There is a 6 mile path relatively close but I still need someone to drive me there since I can't take the car just in case. I'm not use to waiting on others when I want/need to run! I pretty much gave my husband no choice in taking me once I walked upstairs in my running gear ;) It ended up being one of those runs that got done. I was having issues the entire 6 miles and really couldn't find a good groove but I'm still glad I was able to get out there and do something before gorgefest 2010.

Friday was an off day then another 6 Saturday afternoon. This time I did the reverse of the route from Thursday. It worked out much better for me! The wind was in my face the entire time, there were 2 hills, but over 4 miles of the trail were downhill. Yea for the downhill!

Sunday I ended up having to run after we got back in Chicago. We wanted to get on the road before hitting a lot of traffic and because I hadn't slept well I didn't wake up early enough to go for my 12 mile run before packing the car and leaving. Not the best idea to try to run after being in the car for about 3 hours AND getting stuck in Bears game day traffic. It was nearly 4pm before I grudgingly changed into my running gear. Starting a long run in the dark is no fun. Even though I wasn't feeling the run at the start and there was an intense headwind miles 3-6 I was feeling dang good. I finished in some serious negative split land with the help from some tailwind and nervousness from being in the dark sections of the trail (I thought a cute little bunny was a gun wielding crazy man!) It may be time to invest in a running lamp of some sort...

How was your weekend running?

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes, those head lamps aren't that expensive and they'll save you from the crazy bunnies...that was cute!
Welcome home!

Amanda@runninghood said...

I love running with my head lamp! Glad it ended up being a good run! It is always hard to push through those runs that take forever to get in the groove with.

C said...

I'm so jealous of your 24 miles of Thanksgiving weekend running. I got in 7 between Wednesday and Sunday. At least it was more than 0. :)

I've been thinking of a headlamp too, but am worried about how my excessive sweating will affect things.

Teamarcia said...

Sounds like a fun and productive weekend!

The Laminator said...

Funny weekend all around! I'm impressed with your running dedication and I'm sure your in-laws were probably impressed too.

A headlamp is definitely in order for the winter. Not only does it like your way, but they also make your presence known to oncoming traffic too!

bobbi said...

You are amazing for getting out there that much! I tend to wimp out as soon as my schedule goes even a little off kilter...need more mental fortitude, I guess...

Marlene said...

The LAST thing you would catch me doing at the end of a long weekend and long car-ride is a long run! Good for you!!!

Jill said...

Headlamps are kinda weird to get used to but are such a necessity when it's dark. Sometimes I wear it on my arm so I don't look so dorky :). Glad you are back home ... you've had so many trips lately :).

Jill said...

Headlamps are kinda weird to get used to but are such a necessity when it's dark. Sometimes I wear it on my arm so I don't look so dorky :). Glad you are back home ... you've had so many trips lately :).

J said...

Great job getting your runs in! I always run on country roads and they can be a bit scary because people drive reallly fast!

ajh said...

I am a big chicken in the dark. You were tough to get out there so late (dark wise) and get the whole run in.

RunToTheFinish said...

ughh running post car ride is almost impossible for me, it's like my legs are broken

runner26 said...

looks like you got in some good holiday runs!

a headlamp sounds like a great idea!

Nej said...

We have those gun wielding crazy bunnies here as well (giggle)!!

Unknown said...

It looks that your holiday running was fun. I loved running with my arteryx jackets. Keep on posting!

Laura said...

If you have an iPhone/Android phone and want to run on the country roads and not have your family worry, maybe you can get an app that tracks you by GPS so they always know where you are? I think something like InstaMapper should work.