Last night I had another "marathon" Red Sox game. Even though they didn't go extra innings it was a slow, late game with the BoSox victorious again!! WOOHOO!! Met up with the running chicks for a nice Sunday morning run. 10 miles was on the training schedule. We did a new out and back course that measured 8 miles with a 2 mile trail run to finish. The route is great. Very scenic with rolling hills. Started to feel tired after the 9 miles but I think I can attribute that to all the traveling and late nights we've had. I hope this series doesn't go 7 games, I'll be a running zombie by Halloween!

John and I returned from Vegas on Mon. I had a bad case of vertigo and had a difficult time getting out on the road. While in Vegas I only managed to get out for one 3.5 mile run- too much partying like ROCKSTARS. Wed. Night met Dianna for a run at the Hollow. I was thinking how great it is to run in the fall- right before I wiped out on some leaves. I managed a graceful brush off and get back on the trail although I was thinking the whole time- DAMN that hurt! Had to cut the run a bit short :1. It was getting dark 2. I was having that vertigo, light headed feeling.
Friday, met with Dianna again for a quick 5 miles before heading out to dinner with the girls. The pace was kept light and quick, trying to get back before we were in the complete dark.
Today was the day!!!!
Ran a small 5k in Danielson. Woke up early to get a jump on the morning before my race. Was fixing a bagel and began filling out my race application when I realized the race started at 9:00 not 9:30 so I had to kick it into high gear. I "raced" around the house getting my things together and drove at an unsafe speed to get to the race on time. I made it with 5 minutes to spare, got my race number, set my Nike run MP3 ad headed to the start line. After a false start on the gun's part we were off. 1st mile I was jamming away to a little Bon Jovi and reached the 1 mile marker at 7.40! WOW!!! Slowdown Cowgirl! I felt great so I kept rocking and rolling to the second mile marker where I heard someone at the water station tell me I was the 1st female runner. Again- WOW!!! Keep the pace, nice and steady. Right about 2.7 miles I was looking over my shoulder expecting to see the 2nd female runner on my heels- noone! I sprinted the last little bit and finished the race 23.48. I was the first female finisher!!!!
Tonight- bask in the glory of my victory and root, root, root for the hometeam. Let's go Sox!!

April Anne at mile 12. 

John's off and running! 

I'm off and running! 

Dianna going strong at mile 20!!!

Fri Oct. 8th:
The night before the 1/2 marathon. Also, the night the Red sox v. Angels were playing for the American League Wild Card Championship. My conscience was torn over beer!! I know beer is not good before a race. I also know that I would enjoy an ice cold beer while I watched the game. We started at home and I gave in to the beer and had an ice cold one in my lucky pint from Margaritaville, Key West . When we left to go to the restaurant it was 6-1 Red Sox. We met up with Dianna, April -Anne, Dianna's hubby and friend and had an enjoyable meal, I even had dessert!!! We got home just in time to see my friend David hit a 2 run homerun to win the game and advance to the American League Division Championship series with the Yankees.
Sat. Oct. 9th:
Woke up early and met up with the "Team" at the local bakery and caravaned in to Hartford. Found parking and April Anne and Dianna were off in search of the portopotties. I was able to meet up with John (running buddy) and rejoin April Anne. April Anne and I started off in the middle of the pack and off we went. The first mile was crowded but somewhere around mile 2 I started to break away from the pack and eventually even find Dianna. We ran with her pace guy for the next couple miles until the 1/2 marathon split off. I was feeling great so decided to pick up the pace. found another friend of mine, Kelly who I tried convincing to do the Disney Marathon and off I went again. The next few miles seemed to fly by and finally at mile 9 I saw my cheering squad. The next 4 miles were tough but I finished in great time 1:56 and change!!!
I said goodbye to my family after seeing Dianna cross the 20 mile marker and I headed to the finish line to cheer Dianna in at 4:02 and change!!! Amazing!!!
It was an amazing day for all Chicks Running in the Woods! Oh and the party van was just what we all needed after a long day of "WORK"!:)

Second blog of the day.
Went out for my scheduled 5 mile run. Went out on an out and back route that I usually use as a 4 mile route. It's not 4 miles out and back it's 3.6 miles. So I kept running up this big hill turned around and came back down the big hill crossed a pretty busy street, had runningchick drive by me and still did not complete 5 miles. I got in 4.8- close enough.
While I was running ALONE, I thought about a number of things.
1. My mom used to bake? I don't recall that.
2. My dad used to run? I don't recall that either.
3. I'm leaking urine while I run- DAMN CHILDBIRTH!!!

How come I can't remember these things from my childhood and how come 2 yrs after giving birth I can't control my bladder?

I finally managed to complete my scheduled 8 miler. With some coaxing and encouraging from Dianna I went out there- ALONE! I've been so spoiled lately with running partners I found it difficult to motivate a lonely run. Once I got out there I was glad I did. The route I chose was new and scenic. Winding road with rolling hills and beautiful foliage, a couple old cemeteries which are so New England. I was cruising along banging my head to the Headbangers Ball I had playing on the MP3 Run when all of a sudden the woman's voice came over my 1 earphone (only 1 for safety sake) and said 1 mile- WoW that was fast, I thought to myself. The rest of the 8 miles went much of the same. Quiet, quick and suprisingly relaxing.
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 1hr 7 minutes and change

Wednesday night met up with Dianna for a personally escorted run on the Greenway. Dianna's husband rode his bike along side us and provided crossing guard duties. Again, or still, my Mp3 Run is not calibrated so I believe we went further than 4 miles. The pace was quick and light and FLAT.
Last night, we dragged my husband for the same route. I did not wear the fancy gadget because it was raining- again. I am convinced that it is the new shirt I puchased from Target. The route was even quicker last night. John got a little chafing and started whining around mile 2 but quickly bucked up after some scolding from the women. He remained quiet the rest of the run.
Good Times!