I Can Almost Smell Spring

This has been such a long winter, I can't wait for spring.  The whole idea of no winter boots, no big heavy coat....it just sounds heavenly.   Tomorrow is officially the first day of spring, but I don't think Mother Nature is going to cooperate because snow is in the forecast.  Monday and Tuesday of this week were above freezing (it was below if you counted in the windchill) and sunny, so Lola and I went out for runs/walks each day after I got home from work.

Lola and I out for a run with my new Garmin I recently won.

The sideroads and trails are still muddy, but at least most of the snow and ice is gone so I can feel more secure running and not worrying about slipping and falling.

As you might remember, I have my first race of the year at the end of April, so I need to get some more outdoor training in.  Let's hope that Mother Nature remembers that spring "officially" starts tomorrow, and she should start warming up the temperatures.  This winter was long, snowy and very cold - I think we are due for some nice weather.  

Here's to spring!!

Lola giving me a thank you kiss for the run

Loving the sunshine!!

Winter Running & An Upcoming Giveaway Announcement

I must admit that this winter, and here the snow came early, I haven't been running outside much, and the dreadmill just doesn't feel as good as a good outdoor run.
I have been very stressed and angry lately, and been daydreaming of my fall and summer runs through the conservation area, I miss them.  Today it was mild and sunny, so I took one of the dogs, Lola, out for a run.  It was muddy, and I only used the farm lane at home, but it felt so good to run outside again.  I felt so much stress leave as I was running - now I know what has been wrong for the past weeks; I need to run. I need to run outside in order to relieve my stress.

Today's run :)

Now that I know this, I will make more of an effort to try to get out.  It's hard when you live in the country, it's not safe to run on the side of the road, and the conservation area isn't really the best in the winter (it's either knee-deep in snow, or flooded if it has been milder).  The farm lane is boring, but it is all I have that is safe in the winter, so I will take it.  Until the days get longer, I will be limited to weekends or quick runs when I get home from work.  There are coyotes, etc. that run wild down this lane, and I don't feel safe running there if it's not during the daylight.
I feel better knowing that I *need* to do this, and that it works!!

COMING SOON.....A Giveaway!!

To celebrate my recent acceptance to becoming an ENERGYbits ambassador, I am holding a giveaway for a sample of ENERGYbits!! 

I will be holding the giveaway soon, so keep watching here for the post.  :)
If you just can't wait and want to order some right away, be sure to use the code "Journeytofit" to save 20% off your order.

Today's amazing run was #poweredbybits :)

#RWRunStreak & Race Prep

LOLA

My four legged running partner is really glad that her and I are taking part in Running World's Running Streak.  This means that she gets to go for longer daily runs - the highlight of her day (except for when she gets a "cookie" before bed each night).  All I have to say is "walk" or "run" and she is off to where we keep the leashes and she follows me all around the house until we leave.  We usually do at least a mile, often more, but depends on the weather.

LOLA

 The hot and humid weather was making it hard to go outside for my 5k race training.  Not just because of the humidity, but because of the severe weather warnings - I don't want to be caught out in the middle of nowhere in a thunderstorm.  So, some days I had to resort to the treadmill, and poor Lola didn't get her long run.  The weather has cooled off and (knock on wood) the rain has stopped too.
My 3rd 5k race is this weekend, and I haven't been training as much as I would have liked. :(  I am still hoping that I will beat my time from my last race, even if it is just by a few seconds.
I have no other races planned after this one - I am not used to running in the heat, so I may hold off on signing up for races until the fall.

I will post on Monday or Tuesday about my race.  Wish me luck :)

M

Countdown is on....only 21 days until race day!

 I can't believe that it is coming so fast!! My first 5k road race is only 21 days way - yikes!!!  
The weather hasn't been cooperating for most of my training, and I've had to do most of it inside on the "dreadmill" which I don't like.  For the past week, there have been a few more days where I can get out and do some training outside :)  Yay!

My workout partner today, Lola.  She had fun, but did try to trip me a couple of times :(

 

today's workout (5k +)

I can't run the full distance yet, but I can run 1km, then I alternate running and walking until I have gone the full 5k.  I am hoping that I will get a little faster or build a little more endurance and be able to run the whole distance - even if it is very slow.  

Any suggestions on how to increase my endurance??

Wish me luck :) and good weather.