Attitude of Gratitude

25 hours a day, 8 days a week. That's about as often as I strive to have an "attitude of gratitude."

So to begin with, I'm very appreciative of the fine folks who have left a nice word on this blog, especially since I don't have too many friends in real life who understand what running means to me. So... thanks :)

This weekend's mileage was pretty short- 3 miles according to my running plan. I did 3.2 for good measure and actually was impressed. To start with, my Magic Mile was way slower this time- 10:37 compared to 10:01 two weeks ago. However, the overall 5k time was 30 seconds faster. Why? Well, in my mind, it's because I didn't totally front load my first mile and destroy the last 2. Instead, I was more even-keel and after a few minutes warm up, I kept to a steady 1:30/15 second r/w ratio. I also didn't have to use the inhaler, so that was pretty sweet. It was So. Dangum. Hot. I know it's hot in Florida, but c'mon... 90*F at 10P?! I didn't feel great running, but I still surprised myself with my success.

This week is a week I've been looking forward to and dreading. It's the last week before I start -gasp- law school as an old lady IL. It's also the first week I hit big mileage- 7.5! (ok, feel free to laugh at how small that actually is). I'm running with my Dad again and today, I picked up some fuelly things for the run since we're getting beyond that 75 minute threshold of not having hydration/water. The one time I've used fuel before, it was GU and I threw it right back up (which really impressed my date who was running the race with me... not). So, we're trying some GEL, some energy chews, and energy jelly beans and see how those go. Also, to step into the forray of hydration belts, I currently use a basic Nathan for my inhaler which I like, but I tried on an Amphipod at Fleet Feet Orlando (I think I like them there) and it felt ok. Can't seem to find it online, so here's to supporting small business :) My dad wants to use the handheld and I cannot do that, so belt it is. Plus, that little inhaler buddy of mine needs to be comfy too.

Hito is making progress I want to believe. My dad's friend gave us an informal review of his issues and wasn't too supportive of the idea that it was just a little hypotonia. He was very serious about us getting the whole blood work and  biospy ASAP. I cried really hard on Saturday night, and ended up giving up my run because I wanted to hold Hito instead. I held him and kissed him and snuggled him and it was good for the soul. We don't know how long we're on this rock, but for every second I have with Hito, I am going to love him the best I can. Running helps me keep my tears and sorrow under control, so I really run for him.

He's doing exercises with Fireman right now and doing a great job. We even took some steps this weekend with support! I cannot think that there's a serious issue when we seem to make strides in the right direction. Tomorrow we have the big neurologist appointment, so I'm on eggshells until then. Tomorrow's run will be very hard. 

I also got to see CJ this weekend, with her broken neck and all. She's in good spirits, and I'm very grateful for that. I did her hair (and did a pretty sour job), but we had a good time gossiping about people from high school (which really never gets old, right?). I'm hoping that this will be the big impetus for her to turn her life around, to stop finding herself in these bad situations, and maybe make some positive changes. I used to joke with her that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't push it in and drown it. I just need her to get better, for her babies' sake most of all.

Today is an XT. Weights and hopefully some swimming. I did pick up The Grid from FFO and o.m.g. is it great for my back. Don't get me wrong, the pvc is amazing for my legs, but the foam on the grid is great for my back. Life-changing one might say. Speaking of FFO, the guy I spoke with thinks that my Asics 2160 might be too much stability for me and that may be causing the big flare ups in my IT bands (which didn't start until recently). That's what I get for trying to buy shoes on sale instead of shoes that are meant for me. I'll upgrade, but when I earn it. Plus, with the bike fitting, I need to save some $. Who knew this could cost so much? 

Tomorrow is a tempo day and Thursday is track again. I think my friend from Tally may join Fireman and me, especially since he also went to the same high school and apparently was friends with Fireman back then. I'm still up in the air about doing 8x400 or 6x600... 

Did I mention I'm excited for 7 this weekend? I am. I am! I'm going to roll, and maybe use ice baths for fun! Oh, what a strange person to be when grueling long runs are the excitement. 

Until the next run. 

P.S. I have a twitter for running? SaltWaterRunner. Dad, please check it out (since you read this I think).