Saturday, November 04, 2006

A perfect day!

Today was pretty much a perfect day from start to finish. Okay, maybe I would have slept a bit later. :-)

Alarm clock - 4:20 am! The weather was a perfect 50 degrees...I'd have to say that 50 is my favorite running temp. Cool enough to not get overheated and sweaty, but warm enough to still wear short sleeves. I made it to the park and found the 1/2 marathon training group and the 5/1s. I met one of the faster reds from the fall group who also ran Chicago. We swapped marathon war stories before the announcements began. As we were leaving the park, it seemed that the 5/1 group was running a tad bit slower than I was used to...I know, I know..sounds impossible right? :-) Fortunately, I quickly met another 5/1 runner who ran at my pace. Then, about 2 miles into the route, we met another 5/1 runner who was running at the same pace. So, the 3 of us stuck together the remainder of the route. The pace is a bit slower than I'm hoping for in the 1/2 in January, but much better than my pace in the warmer temps!

We ran a variation of the Rose Garden route with the option to run either 9 or 10 miles. To run 10 miles, we would pass Shepherd at Allen Parkway and continue to Waugh for the return trip. To run 9, we would turn left on Shepherd and go back to the park. I was feeling strong the entire run, but really, really needed a port-a-potty due to the water I drank on the way to the park. (Sorry, TMI!) So, I was a wuss and only ran 9. But, it felt great to be back at the park, running with a group in wonderful weather!

The highlight of the run was meeting a fellow HRB and fellow Chicago Marathon finisher! As we were running back to the park on Memorial Dr. somewhere near Starbucks, I ran into Jill! She spotted me 1st, which was a good thing because by that point I wasn't paying attention to much of anything. Jill, it was great to finally meet you!!!

When we returned, we picked up our official 2006-07 Houston Fit shirts. I love it! The red ones from last year were terrific, but could be hot in the sun. Here's the shirt:
Front
Back

Then, the kiddo and I went to visit my absolute, favorite aunt in Kemah. We took her to lunch on the boardwalk, watched the sailboats go by and waved at the train. My aunt was recently diagnosed with a rare form of an incurable blood cancer called "Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia", or WM, so spending extra time with her has been important to me. The weather was perfect for the outing and we had a great time! Here are a few pics from the day:


Running Stats
Conditions - 50 and perfect!
Total Distance - 9 miles
Total Running Time - 1:43:30
Pace - 11:30

Have an awesome weekend!!!

5 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

And to think I ran an entirely different route today, with no chance of running into you folks! But I started late, since there's no real incentive for me to get up early when the temps are going to be nice, regardless.

Glad you had a good run!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great day! I love your new shirt!! Love the quote on the back, I may have to swipe it. :>)

Jill said...

It was so great to finally meet you, too!! Next on the list - Bunnygirl!

Sorry about your aunt. Glad you are able to spend some quality time with her.

Unknown said...

I'm so jealous. Jill got to meet Christy!!! My turn!

Jill said...

Oops - next on the list, VIC!!