Eight is GREAT

I didn't make it to the treadmill last night, but I decided to run a long one last night. I don't think Mondays are my day...I just get too tired to do anything. However Tuesdays seem to be the best night for me to do my long runs. Last night was just one of those nights!

I headed out and ended up running 8 miles in 75 minutes, or 9:23/mile. I felt great, and I even felt like I could have run faster. It was pretty cold tonight compared to the last few weeks, but I really shouldn't be complaining......38 degrees isn't that cold! Luckily I wore my new Women's Tornado II Mock by Under Armour. It kept me really, REALLY warm:

After receiving some helpful advice from Zoe on Under Armour Heatgear vs Coldgear, I decided to check out Coldgear. Im usually pretty warm while running, and I have used Heatgear all winter and during the Seattle Half last November. The Coldgear is a bit thicker and seems to keep in the warmth, yet stays dry (not sure about the rain though). The mock neck isnt my first choice, but it doesnt seem to move while I run or bother my neck.

 

Yes, Im a dork

Since the Under Armour gear is supposed to be compression gear, I went with a large, so it fits more like a loose fitting shirt. I think it would drive me CRAZY if it was super tight. This way, its rather loose....probably undermines keeping the heat in, but Ill just have to deal. I mean, I run in spandex leggings, but I dont want spandex on top too!! Too much....also, this was the only size left, and it was 60% off at Island Sports on Bainbridge Island. Instead of the normal retail price of $60, I walked away with it for $26.......works for me!!

Along the run tonight I saw a huge, long shooting star right above the Seattle skyline. Being in the city, I hadn't realized it was that clear tonight due to all the bright lights. I thought there was actually a cloud cover (although, this makes sense on why it was so cold). I would have taken a picture, but I'm not fast enough and it wouldnt have turned out. This picture I found here will have to do:

I was able to snap this beauty....a salmon sculpture covered in lights. What can I say, I'm attracted to things that are bright and colorful :)

 

Yes, those are salmon and the blue is supposed to be water or something. I guess it makes sense......although you cant see it at night :)

Hope everyone had a great run!

Weekend Recap

Phew, what a weekend! My Little Bro was down for the weekend to celebrate his birthday. Lucky for me, this meant that I had a running buddy for the weekend! I was able to take him out a twice for some scenic runs.

Workouts:

Friday: 6.2 miles in 54 minutes 

Saturday: 4 miles in 40 minutes

Sunday: off, but signed up for a race (see below)

Here is a picture montage from the weekend:

 

Alki Beach at night with the Bro

  

Octopus sculpture along Alki

  

 Bro and I after the 6 mile run

  

 Pike Place Market (yes, we ran through here)

  

 I like this picture better though :)

  

Near the end of the 4 mile run 

 
 

 Of course, coffee at Top Pot when we finished

Overall, both of the runs were nice and easy. It was incredibly warm AGAIN on Friday night, so it didn't matter that it was after dark that we ran. I also happen to like the octopus sculpture along the way. There are bits of glass embedded into the cement around it as well. Anything with glass is my kind of art! :)

Saturday was a nice easy run through Downtown. It was a slower run due to traffic lights, crazy cars and insane amounts of people in Pike Place Market. I happen to LOVE the market, so people just had to deal with Bro and I running through. I would have stopped to take a picture, but the crowds were too much, and the pic above came out better anyways.

Sidenote: Wow, my pictures turned out REALLY bad this weekend! Blurry, dark...I might have to start bringing my real camera and not my iPhone! Haha. There goes my aspirations to be a photographer!!! Haha

I also signed up for the:

  

 Valentine's Day Love Em Or Leave Em 5k this Saturday at Greenlake!!

The event starts at 9:30 am on Saturday, February 15th and the $30 fee includes a t-shirt and timing chip. They had a higher than normal number of entrants, so make sure you sign up early if you want a t-shirt. You can also pick up your race packets early to avoid lines here. Even though this is a little 5k, I'm still signing up to get a t-shirt. I'm hoping it has a big cheesy heart on it that I can wear :)

Apparently this is supposed to be the largest Valentine's Dash in the US. I have no idea what this really means (largest number of people signed up for a 5k??) but it should be fun. The course is also on the outer loop road along Greenlake, and not the inner path. This will make things run MUCH smoother and not create a pileup of runners!

 

I just cant wait to get out there and race again. I haven't been in one since the Jingle Bell 5k last December. Its been too long!!

http://www.promotionevents.com/valentines/info.htm

Weekend runs

Whew, what a weekend! Busy, busy but a lot of fun. Get ready for a photo collage!! 

Friday night I was able to sneak in a quick 4 miles on the dreadmill before heading out:

Today, I decided to finally go on a long run. I have been planning on doing my long run on Sundays, but it hasnt been in the cards for the past few weeks. I finally got my butt in gear and headed out to Alki.

 

Cheese!

The run started off fine, but I soon realized that having even a few drinks the night before just might hinder your running performance. I decided to keep running, but I to go at a slightly slower pace. There were also a TON of walkers out on the boardwalk. It was a little frustrating to try to dodge each person, their stroller and dog leash. Don't they realize that people are training for running on that stretch of road?!?! :)

On the boardwalk along Alki Beach, there are small metal plates and star constellations embedded into the cement. While running along, I happened to find my sign, Pisces. The constellation was above it, but I couldn't fit it into my picture without stopping for awhile.

  

 I'm a Pisces too!

About halfway into the run, I decided to take a quick stretching break, and I really didn't have much energy. I realized that I was at the point of Alki, so I took a *little* detour on a trail and found the beach.

  

 Standing on the bulkhead over the waves

Alki Beach Lighthouse

 

View of Seattle from the lighthouse

I probably wasn't supposed to stand there, but the house was abandoned. Awesome little beach right there, and a perfect spot to see the lighthouse! A lovely surprise on my little break. I ended up running back and even thought it felt like I was running SUPER slowly, it was still under 9:45/mile pace for 7 miles. Not too bad for not really wanting to run today at all!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and looong runs!! I'm off to watch the Grammys! :)