A Sunday Dozen.

My Sunday training runs are getting shorter.  Seems so strange to only go 12 miles.  But this was a great run.  I got to try out my new watch and I am in love!!  I feel so free with it on!  Because before I had to follow certain paths I knew in order to go the distance I needed to go.  But the Garmin 405 lets me go wherever I want and keeps track of how far I have gone, what pace I'm running, how long I've been running, etc.  It's so awesome!  Don't know how I've run without it.  The picture at left is just a sample picture.  It's a little big and clunky.  Other than that ... no complaints at all!

My run was just a combination of my 5 mile run through the town of Britton (Remember the "no pitchers" bank from my last post?  Well I got a good picture!) and my regular 7 mile route.  Nothing too special about the run.  I was feeling sluggish the first 2 miles (and my watch told me so with 10+ minutes miles!).  But then I loosened up a lot and had a good run.  Took a few pictures along the way.

Here are a couple in Britton.  That's the old bank and the old general store.  I don't think there are any actual still-in-business businesses left in Britton.  The only place I ever see cars is at the church on Sunday morning.

And you know I had to take a picture of myself running.  This isn't a good one and I only took one so I'll just post it.  And then I ran right by a dead possum.  Wasn't really paying attention and almost ran right on him!

Here are some of my favorite sights on the 7 mile part of the run ... an old run down shed and a field with hay.  I just think both look cool.

And then I was home.  Here's a picture of the Garmin.  No more guessing how fast I went, etc.  Did I mention how much I love that watch?!  Ran for 2 hours and 2 minutes.  Went 12.3 miles.  And don't let that pace fool you.  It says 9:03 and that is accurate but only for the last mile.  :)

Still trying to figure out things for the marathon.  Here is what I learned on this run:

• If it's humid don't wear the really short Nike shorts.  They stick to my legs and that's all I can think about.
• Fixed the iPod problem.  Just wear it lower on my arm.  (See pic.)
  

• Don't freak out if the first few miles (and even some of the middle miles) are 10+.  It all evens out!
• Wear blister bandaids.  DUH!  Can't believe I thought 12 miles was short enough that I didn't need them.  Big mistake!
• EAT before the run!!  Felt really good!  I also ate a Clif Bar during the run and it didn't mess me up so I'm gonna pack a few snacks.
• Let the music be your guide!  Seriously.  I can tone out all aches and pains if I just listen to the music.
  

And that's all for now.  Had a completely uneventful 4 mile run this morning.  Got up extra early cause I thought it was gonna rain and I'm glad I missed that.  Then ran it really fast.  Just wanted to get it over with.  6 miles tomorrow morning.