Finally back outside...

Finally... I got to breath normal air.

At least for one day.

Saturday was warm... & by warm, I mean 50 degrees.  I was so excited.  Finally could get my long run done outside & not on the treadmill.

My long run is now up to 4 miles. Anything over 3 & my feet start to burn on the treadmill, so this worked out perfectly. 

I was also excited about using my new Nike GPS Watch out doors.  I've used it on the treadmill with the shoe pod sensor & the heart rate sensor, but never got to use the GPS sensor.  Time to see how this baby works.



Love that jacket.. its Old Navy.. so soft!

It felt good being in regular running clothes.  When I'm on the treadmill, I'll do my work outs in 'whatever' - wouldn't even be surprising to see me with tennis shoes on & my pajamas... home just has a who-cares-kinda-feel... it was a boost to my mojo to put on actually wicking wear...

But I forgot how much you gotta remember.  The iPod, the watch, the phone, the hat, the water bottle... I did forget my gloves though.  Thank goodness the wind wasn't too cold...

I was also excited because I was putting my new running shoes on the pavement.  Only wore them on the treadmill this year...

Drats.....

Yep... it took about 5 minutes before some jerk ran me off the road & I ended up stepping in a mud puddle... I guess that's what shoes are for.  Luckily, with all the snow melting, I ended up running into every puddle I could to wash them off.



Snow cleaned up my shoes a bit...
& yeah, even got mud on my legs.

So 4 miles done... it was slow... it was uncomfortable being back on these hilly roads aggravating my knee & back.  But I did good sticking with the walking/running interval plans. 

Felt good to see my old friends - horses along the path that come to the fence every time I go by...

but it was still too cold I guess for all the dogs that normally chase me...

I used this race as my "I Run 4" race...

we both get a piece of the medal... love it!

Excited to send my partner, Reagan, her half of her medal now... perfect for Valentine's Day since it is in the shape of a heart...

So I'm glad I got that run in... the roads are full of snow again... & going to be COLD all week again...

back to the basement in my pj's & tennis shoes I go....