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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Pre and Post Run

Originally, I'd planned to get up at 5 am and run early...but, that didn't happen. Shocker, I know. Instead, I hit the road at what has become Norah and I's regular run time (about 7:45 am). Here I am pre-run: All fresh and ready to go! Temps here at that hour were in the low 90s, so when I finished my 3 miles, I looked a little something like this: Meet Sweaty McSweaterson.
While I am still not fast out there at that time of day, especially pushing the jogging stroller (I have been averaging a 10:20/mile pace with the stroller lately), I think, strangely, I am getting used to the heat and the effort. I'm sure some of you will leave encouraging remarks, like: "The heat/stroller pushing is making you stronger!" And that may very well be, but right now, I have no way to prove that theory. So, for now, I just have to live with the fact that I may be getting "stronger" but the fact is that I'm slower. Can such a paradox exist? I believe so. Oh well, we'll have to wait until January rolls around to see if I can pick up the pace; until then, slow it is!

On a non-running related note, I thought the following pic of Scooter was just too cute to not share. Last night, I go into the bedroom and there's someone who wasn't waiting around for us to be ready for bed:
What? Your dogs don't tuck themselves in at night?

28 comments:

Wes said...

Scooter will always be numba won in that family :-)

Charbelle said...

The Scooter picture made me laugh, I have one like that. The running in the heat, I'm slower, and I hate running and feeling like I'm melting into a puddle but but I always feel better once it's done and I know I've completed X miles.

Anonymous said...

I feel for you! Keep up the (hard) work!! ;)

d.a.r. said...

Love the picture of Scooter. My dogs definitely put themselves to bed. And in the morning, after letting them out, they usually run back to bed to hide under the covers. Or, at least the boston terrier does. Pug can't jump quite that high...

Lucy K said...

I live in Texas and the heat makes me feel slow any time I step outside. I went for a jog yesterday at 7:30 in the morning and felt like I had jumped into a pool with my clothes on by the time I finished my run. It felt awful while I was running but felt great when I finished.
Our dog can get into our bed on his own so he will look at us and start walking towards the bedroom when he is ready for bed. :)

MCM Mama said...

Scooter is too cute!

I was looking just like that at the end of my run today I wasn't pushing a stroller. Great job!

B. Kramer said...

Congrats on getting out there. Clearly, 5 a.m. is too early for anything other than sleep. I'm thankful that Dobson doesn't sleep on our bed. Cheers!

Elle said...

I agree with you about knowing that there are reasons your slowing down namely heat and stroller pushing... but still feeling a little bummed about it... but I remind myself that summertime in Texas is considered 'off-season' for running because it is so hot... so any workout I do is sort of a bonus, and if I do it slow or take it easy, it's because that's what is good for me with all the heat!

JojaJogger said...

That Scooter is one talented dog, tucking himself in without thumbs? Genius! Great job on enduring the heat, you'll definitely be faster when the fall and winter half marathon season gets there.

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

You know that it is true, heat + stroller = slower pace. Trying to get in longer distances with the stroller now that it is HOT here is really causing my pace to fall off but I know that I am still getting the workout. You will love how effortless runs will feel when you don't have to push the stroller!

That photo is priceless. My dogs would love if I let them do that!

Marlene said...

Slow is much better than still!

There's something refreshing about a good sweat.

Katie A. said...

After reading your hot temps + pushing a jogging stroller I need to quit my complaining. You are a rockstar for putting up with all those road blocks!
And yes, my Lilly totally puts herself to be every nigh! She likes to make a "nest" with her blanket at the end of our bed each night which is a commedy show in itself! Love the Scooter pic!

SavvyFitChica said...

haha! My dog's fave spot is w/ her head on MY pillow. Scooter is fricken adorable!

Well, just so you know, pre and post run, you look great! Keep smiling! Way to get the job done!

Jess said...

I love your top Jess! It's really cute. And the picture of Scooter is awesome!

Rad Runner said...

Picture B. looks just as rad as picture A. if not radder!

MNFirefly said...

Scooter's so cute!

Unknown said...

you can't argue that running slower with the stroller is better than not running at all...right? so even if it's not making you stronger (which it must be!)and you're moving slower, it's keeping you fit!

ajh said...

Cutest picture of Scooter ever!

RunnerGirl said...

I love your streak idea!! You gotta be a trooper to do that this time of year...

N.D. said...

yikes good for you getting out there!

Anonymous said...

Aww! Cute Scooter pic!

You are running faster with the stroller now than I have been running sans stroller all week- seriously. Keep up the streak!

lifestudent said...

Man, Scooter sure does know how to make himself comfortable :) Smart doggie!

Heather said...

Love the pic of Scooter all in the blanket! Our border collie used to do the same thing.

runner26 said...

I am wondering the same thing (although I am not pushing a stroller!) Is it possible to get faster/stronger when running in the heat even though the pace is significantly slower??

That is pretty hard core w/ the stroller--it definitely adds something!

Unknown said...

Love that pic! Ours will get in bed but they don't get under the covers:) I'm definitely hoping that the combo of heat+jogging stroller=stronger. I told Rich this morning on our run that the best part of summer runs was how good the first cool run of fall will feel. I love the summer, sweaty runs a lot though.

Christine said...

OMG, love the doggie picture :) Good job on running in that weather, I'm so impressed :)

Scott McMurtrey said...

Scooter! :)

sRod said...

Hey! Sorry I've been MIA for...geesh, no idea how long.

A dip into the 90s--that would be a relief around here!