The interesting things you notice when you run alone...

AND forget your iPod at home. I went down to Balboa Park Tuesday to deliver some food for the Stroller Strides playgroup and planned to run with Amelia in the stroller for my three mile run. One of the moms, Shawna, kindly offered to watch Amelia while I ran. I don't turn down an opportunity to run without a stroller!


With nothing to listen to, I was glad it was a short run. I tend to get bored pretty easily. So there I was, alone with my thoughts on a beautiful San Diego day running through one of the coolest parks in the country. I found myself looking around more. In some ways it was good, but in others it just made me paranoid. I caught myself eyeing strange looking men suspiciously. A guy sleeping in his car completely freaked me out. Don't even get me started on the dude sleeping under a tree. I take for granted that I enjoy that beautiful park in the comfort of a big group. It is a little scarier all alone. I mean, it is a public park in a big city.

That short run made me appreciate even more my running partners. Not only do they make my runs more enjoyable, but they make me feel safe as well.

I am officially a die-hard!

In the past, when I would see people running in the rain I would either call them crazy or a die-hard. Today we ran six miles in the rain. The only people out there with us were other die-hards.

I just finished a nice, long HOT shower and feel GREAT. The run wasn't nearly as miserable as I would have imagined. I am SO glad to have good running partners. It really helps pass the time when we can have a conversation. There have been several times when I would have stopped had I been running by myself.

We are only up to six miles (moving up to seven next week), so today's run wasn't any great feat. But I still feel successful. For these past weeks, I have run four days a week and worked out at Stroller Strides another two. Even if I am not ready to run a marathon, I am definitely in great shape.

I think I am actually going to do it....

I have told people. Now I am writing it down. There is no turning back. I am going to run the 2008 San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon! *gulp*

On some days it seems like it will happen for sure. I have a great group of women to train with. We have a solid, gradual training program. I am determined. This is my time to do this! On other days--especially those days when six miles seems like a task-- I am not so sure that I can be one of 1% who complete 26.2 miles. The other day, after getting over a nasty virus and sinus infection, I ran six miles and thought, "holy crap... how can I do this more than three more times??"

We are going to run the Resolution Run 15K on March 8. I really think that will be an important race for me. If I feel good afterwards, I will have a lot of confidence. If it works me, then I am not sure what I'll do. Regroup, I guess. Nine miles is farther than I have ever run. It is less than half the distance of my ultimate goal.