Day 364

Ran marathon #9 today. OK, so I ran the first 18 miles and then walked the rest because of a bum knee. I was *really* excited about seeing this stupid little sign out there today!

Day 357

Joined two of my favorite people for a last long run near Lake Grapevine before their first marathon next weekend. At the turnaround halfway into our 8-miler, I stopped for a moment to capture this gorgeous sunrise over the water. Another of the many, many reasons I love running.

Day 356

I met Greg and Fiona out at Knob Hills in Roanoke today for a little trail run. We ended up doing about 13 miles in perfect weather, with great company. It was a wonderful day for a trail run, and I had a really amazing time getting to know them both better. I'm really looking forward to running with them more in the future.

Day 355

When I first saw these online, I thought they were hideous and I would rather have the pink ones again. But then these were on sale, in my size, and I thought, meh, whatever, I'll take 'em. But then they arrived. And I LOVE them! They're bright & vivid & awesome. And they will clash perfectly the next time I wear the pink striped knee socks!!

Day 354

Pick a pair, any pair... I'm anxiously awaiting my new shoes, the ones that I'll wear for the NYC Marathon. Until Mr. UPS man shows up at the door, I'm alternating between these old reliables.

Day 351

Had to take pic of personalized bib & medal from yesterday's race. This was my 13th half, and absolutely one of my top five race experiences!

Day 350

I paced a group of runners today at the Heels & Hills & Him half-marathon today; most of the runners were feeling strong enough to run ahead of pace after a while. But Candace stuck with me for the whole race, and finished her first half right on target at 2:39:40. Her family met her at the finish, which is always a great thing to have loved ones there to celebrate with us! Congratulations, Candace!

Day 347

Crazy, no? I'm pacing the 2:40 half-marathoners at the Heels & Hills & Him race this weekend, and all the pacers decided to wear pink shirts, black bottoms & pink socks. I couldn't find solid socks so I went with these striped jobs. I was initially frightened, but I've had them on all day now and I'm kind of starting to enjoy them!

Day 343

20 miles ain't nothing to this chick! Ran a last long slow distance run with two of my girls yesterday & Kris here was just as cool & styling at the end as she usually is! Taper time for her & all other Chicago peeps starts now.

Day 342

Even with the map I still got turned around out there... but it was still a great morning run despite being disoriented a couple of times!

Day 336

Did a 10K today with some friends and we of course had to try to take the traditional pre-race group self-portrait. It was a bit of a challenge! There are so many great things wrong with this pic, and so many things that are perfect about it! We did ask a passerby to take a nice group shot for posterity, but these are the kind of pics that make my day!!

Day 331

I am so blessed to have so many friends to share my running with. I met up with my favorite girls, originally met on Twitter but who are all bonafide In-Real-Life friends now, for a 20-mile run around White Rock Lake today. The three of them are training for the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10, and none had ever run that far before. It was a sincere pleasure to be there with them as they crossed that milestone in preparation for their marathon journey. We had lots of laughs, outrageous conversation, a few songs, and some pain and frustration - all par for the course in a 20-mile run. Thanks, girls!

Day 327

Saw this last lonely sunflower on my run tonight - maybe that means fall is on the way?

Day 322

Was just introduced to joys of trail running - brings a whole new dimension to the running experience. And, of course, it requires a whole new set of gear!

Day 316

I Ran It Out with Mel and Kris today out at White Rock Lake. They are training for the Chicago Marathon on 10/10/10 and have never run more than 16 miles before this morning. We started at 5:15 AM, and covered 18 miles in beastly hot temps, going through two coolers of ice and gallons of gatorade & water in the process. We also had way more fun than any three runner chicks should have! I love my runner friends!!

Day 313

This is what 104 miles in August, with twelve days to go, looks like...

Day 309

Here's what a new Half-marathoner looks like. Congratulations, Jason, on getting to the start & crossing the finish!

Day 308

Half-marathon tomorrow required some supplies, plus extras... The itty bitty ice cream was mine... the others were for the boys. Promise!

Day 306

Runner nirvana, also known as sprinklers on a hot muggy day...

Day 302

Went trail running for first time today & had to stop for this great collection of directional signs!