Since Martinique is so hip with "map my run"...

I ran 5.5 miles earlier this week. My goal with finishing out the week is to run 4.5 today and 3 on Saturday. Since it is so unbelievably gorgeous outside, I had to find an outdoor run. This leads me to my heading---here is my run for the world to see:

5.5 and back on track

This week is starting off with a lot of promise. On Sunday, I finally got to yoga for the first time in awhile. That was exhilarating, even though getting up early on Sunday isn't what I love to do on the weekends.

Monday was a long day at work and that opened up Tuesday for the gym. I decided that I had enough with the easy 3 milers and I vowed to kick in a bit of extra effort. After 3.2 miles on the treadmill, I had to jump off and grab some water (forgot my water bottle, doh!) and then I thought I had some energy left. I hopped back on for another 2.3 which was a total of 5.5 combined. Woohoo! Go me!

What's even better is this spring time weather. I can't wait for some outdoor runs!

Mar 2--Mar 8: 8 mere miles

Hey I had a lot going on that week but I still made it to the gym. And everyone needs a week with less mileage now and then. Right? Right!! That's what I thought.

My sister was in town and on Friday we went to the gym and on Sunday we went to Bikram Yoga. I'm pretty lucky that someone can visit me for the weekend and I can still get some exercise. Not a lot of people are that lucky! And I can still drink some beers and put down some ice cream. Booyah!!

30 days until the race

Today I made it to the gym before work. I guess miracles happen twice in one week. Who knew?! This was a prime example of a quick session. I walked for ten minutes and then I ran 3 miles in 34 minutes. I also saw the most darling Taylor Swift video on the country station. Gosh, I'm such a technology bumpkin that I have to actually go to the gym to watch cable tv. Oh well, the gym membership fee is much cheaper than the cost of Comcast! Seems like southeast Michigan residents are expecting a big winter storm this weekend. Hopefully it passes soon enough and I can get back to running outside!

I've got a peg leg at the end of my stumper, shake your ...

I wear heel inserts in one of my shoes. They have been an enormous help in preventing back pain that I used to get when I would run. I'm lucky I figured this out---extremely lucky. How many people can have their back pain cured by purchasing some $8 item? Not too many. I always know when they are getting worn out because, right on cue, my back starts hurting. Well I have felt pretty strong about my training this year and I wanted to avoid the loss of any running days from back pain. So I ordered some new heel inserts. I ran 3 miles today and *voila* all systems functioned smoothly. Gotta love that. Then I did a bunch of leg weights. It was a robust early start to the day, but sometimes that's how you gotta play these things.

this sweet tender video brought tears to my eyes

Feb 24--Feb 29: 12 miles

I was right on target for this week. Exactly where I wanted to be. I accomplished three runs at 4, 3 and 5 miles each. Hooray! I'm a bit sore from the back to back days, but I'll be allowing myself a rest day before busting into next week's rigorous plan. I think next week might be the time where I bump up my long run to 6 miles, but we'll see. Again, the race is five weeks out and I don't need to go overboard and do anything potentially damaging this early on. I'm pretty proud that my last weeks have seen a gradual increase in mileage. Gradual---that's the key word. That's how I keep my body functioning optimally.