Alone.

After running 3.2 miles by myself today, I realized a few things:

1) This is really boring.
2) It's not so bad running without music.
3) My new "real" running shoes are amazing.
4) I really like running in the heat.

1) This summer, I have been doing all of of my running with Amanda. If it weren't for her, I would not be running at all this year! Last summer, I focused on biking for RAGBRAI, and this year, I'm just lazy. This duathlon was just the thing we needed to get going. However, I still struggle with getting out the door to run, even with Amanda hounding me! But once we get out there, I'm glad I'm there. We talk. Or, she talks. I pant. Occasionally I talk. We talk about the upcoming school year, as she just landed her first teaching job. We talk about food. We talk about the job we used to share. I even asked her to be a bridesmaid in my wedding on one of our runs. She cheers me on, when I just want to flip her off. So running by myself?? Boring.

2) When I did run alone in the past, I always had to do so with my iPod. Today and Friday night proved that I don't need to. I have always had difficulty breathing (which I know I need to see a doctor about) and running alone and without music helps me concentrate on controlling my breathing. I can hear my foot fall too, and can tell when I'm getting sloppy and lazy and need to pick it up. Not as easy with Micheal Jackson blaring in my ears. No offense, MJ.

3) I just bought my first pair of "real" running shoes this weekend from The Shoe Shack. I got the fitting and all that good stuff. A little different from the shoe department at Kohls. It was worth every penny. My nasty old shoes were not doing my apparently very high arches any favors. They only had 3 pairs that would work for my feet. The Brooks pair that I got are like running on air! I love them. I vow to never go back to Kohls for my running shoes. Sandals, yes. Important shoes, no.

4) It was HOT today. But, man, it felt good to sweat like that for 40 minutes! I love it. Sweating in my un-air-conditioned car on the way to the grocery store, hate. Sweating while working out, love. There is a difference, and today's run felt great.

This week's training will be a few small runs and tackling that monster hill on the bike a few more times. Getting good night's sleep Thursday and Friday. I just read that your sleep 2 nights before a big race is more important than the night before. Also eating carbs the 2 nights prior is apparently important for energy the day of the race. I'm learning so much. And sleep and pasta? I can handle that training.