Tag Archives: morning run

Run This Town

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TWO DAYS IN A ROW.

That is my current wake-up-at-5:50am-to-go-sweat-and-get-all-kinds-of-endorphins streak… and I’m loving it.

Also I listen to a lot of Jay Z and Rihanna when I run if that isn’t evident by today’s title.

This morning, I was up bright and early ready to run. I bounced (that is a slightly exaggerated term, as it was really more of a slow-roll) out of bed, suited up, fired up Garmin, and set out.

I did my favorite 5-mile loop, and considering that my legs felt like lead, my arms felt like lead, and both my chest and head were completely congested (making breathing really fun), I was pretty proud of the splits I pulled out.

What I was not proud of? I stopped to spit…. no fewer than 4 times. One a scale of ogre to ladylike (1-10), I was about a -750 this morning.

I have the beginnings of a head/chest cold – a lovely result of sleeping outside for two nights this past weekend, so I didn’t have very high hopes for this run. I ran 5 miles yesterday and went to a tough Pilates class, so my only hope was to have an easy jog, enjoy the weather and the city as it woke up.

Not sure about the new paint job on Hopper’s Hands… the Halloween motif isn’t really doing anything for me.

I started out faster than I would have liked and just knew a positive split was inevitable. I’m also not sure why I cared as I’m building up base mileage, not running for time, but it is what it is. I’m competitive, I guess. (Ya think?)

Every time I would try to “settle into a comfortable pace”, imagine my surprise when I’d glance at my watch and see 8:20-8:35 pop up. I’d freak out a little bit/get a little bit really giddy because come on – not used to seeing these types of paces. I also feel like I’m totally out of running shape (ie: marathon shape), so seeing these types of splits as I build up my base is extremely reassuring/confidence boosting.

Garmy took his sweet time waking up and locating the necessary satellites this morning, so the first mile is a bit jumbled and the 11:36 actually encompasses about 1.5 miles. The timing had no problem getting a head start, the GPS/distance just didn’t really follow.

What can we gather from this beautiful Garmin Connect data? Not very much.

  • I ran 5 miles
  • They were all done in the 8:30 range (which I am ECSTATIC about)
  • Garmin needs to step it up and locate the satellites faster because when it’s 6am, the last thing I want to do is stand on the sidewalk for 5 minutes while he decides to wake up
  • Also I hit the “lap” button when I was trying to connect Garmy to my computer – hence the random 5th lap. I should really read up on how to operate Garmy better.
  • I LOVE MORNING RUNNING

Seriously, if anyone wants to run at 6am, you know who to ask. I’ll be there.

I’ll also insist on Americanos/lattes at the end of the run so consider yourself warned.

I’ll leave you with the most fitting quote that I saw posted on One Hope Wine’s Facebook page (check them out if you haven’t yet – proceeds from their delicious wines go to charities).

I love it.

Have a lovely Tuesday!

Run in the Morning? Yeah OK.

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So today I did something totally out-of-character – I ran at 6am.

And I loved it.

I somehow got myself out of our cozy, warm, bed to throw on my running clothes, fire up the Garmin (welcome back old friend!) and set out for 5 wonderful, beautiful, amazing miles.

Seriously, I’m not joking when I say I could get used to this. It’s 10:52am and I’m completely done with my run for the day. This is incredible. And I didn’t even have to shower at the gym.

The weather was perfect, the sunrise was in full effect, the bay breeze was just enough, and it was a peaceful, perfect run.

One of the main reasons I absolutely despise morning running (aside from the obvious of waking up at an ungodly hour) is running in the dark. I’m sorry to those of you that like it, but I just don’t find it enjoyable. I don’t like not being able to see where I’m going, and I sure as hell don’t like not being able to see what’s happening around me. The only time I actually enjoy running outdoors is in the early morning (which is ironic since I apparently hate running before work) when the city is just waking up, and the tourists on their death-mobiles (bikes) are minimal. Every other runner gives you a “good morning” or a nod of acknowledgement, and even the bikers are nice (which in my experience, is a rare, rare occasion!)

I swear, I could get used to this.

I know there are all types of studies that completely contradict each other – running in the morning is better because you’re fresh and you can focus completely on your run, or running in the evening is better because you’re well fueled and hydrated throughout the day. I think it’s best to just determine when your internal body clock is most productive, and stick with that time. For me – I’ve always been a lunchtime or evening exerciser because it’s a routine, and a habit I can stick to. I have to go directly after work, because once I’m home and relaxing, I get tired, and once that hits, there’s no way I’m going to get a run-in. But after this morning’s run, and with the lighter mornings… it might be time to change that up. Are you a morning or evening exerciser?

The reason for incredibly early run was because I had a plane to catch and figured if I’m going to be sitting for the next 5.5 hours, I may as well have done something active for myself this morning.

We are headed to Boston, and it just didn’t feel right arriving there, without at least a few miles under my belt this morning. (Edited to add: this post should have gone up while I was flying the friendly Virgin America skies but genius forgot to upload the pictures first. Oops.)

My splits were surprisingly speedy for not having eaten in 12 hours, and not having had my beloved caffeine. I also very obviously went out far too fast and had to slow down the last mile or so, but I’ll still take it. Garmin, it’s good to have you back on board.

And speaking of active and speaking of my new-found interest in trail running, I ran the 4 miles of the Tennessee Valley trail yesterday and ohmygod I want to do this every single day. Aron, I’m talking to you, can we please trail run together?!

With that it’s time to go find some fresh chowdah and lobstah rolls – when in Boston afterall!