Uh I didn't .... Oh yeah I did.

Of course it was cold. Of course I wanted to stay in bed. Of course I know none of my running partners are running today. Of course I got up anyway and headed out.

I haven't had the chance to shop for a running hat or a running jacket yet. I've been browsing online, but I'm iffy about it. So, I grabbed a fleece beanie and wore a tank top, topped with a long sleeve technical top, and a light cottony (yeah) sweater-kinda-thing. It was 32 degrees F when I started at 6:08 a.m.

I just ran. I knew that I was gonna take it easy and do none of that 9:00/mile or 10:00/mile nonsense. I know I am not going to do many inclines either.  Call me spoilt, whatever. My shins have been slightly hurting so I figure I'll just log the miles in today. I did a few loops - around the school, around the city park, around a section of a neighborhood, around the Y and a gas station.  I just didn't put much thought into how I am going to log the 8 miles I had planned today.  I wasn't about to wake my brain cells up from hibernation this morning either.  Loopy loops' the way to go!

Eight miles turned into 10. I ran 10 solo miles by myself. I know I am awesome like that. And when I run solo, there's no telling what went on in my head.  So, here are some random thoughts I'm sharing.

1. Oh my. How am I gonna pull 8 miles out of myself this a.m.? 
2. Happy 29th birthday, my dear brother!
3. Slow. Slow. Slow.
4. My legs feel like it is frozen solid. 
5. Eight miles. 
6. Running was easier when I have people with me.
7. Misery loves company.
8. Happy birthday, my dear brother! 
9. Mint chocolate Gu is THICK! 
10. 5 miles or so is how long I get to feel a little warmed up.
11. I miss running alone. 
12. I've got some pep in my step now.
13. At the city park: Really? I hate vandalism. Someone spray painted profane man parts on a newly laid pavement in the city park.  Seriously?  We need more Michael Fay - type punishment around. These people have no respect! ARGH!!!!!! 
14. Ok, I can pull 10 miles out of myself today. 
15. Bonus 2 miles for to celebrate my brother's birthday! 
16. Let me run around the gas station a few times to make it 10. 
17. Phew. It's over! I'm amazing.

Me, after 10 miles, in my vehicle.

All right, 10 miles in 1 hour and 50 something minutes.  I had forgotten to turn my Garmin back on while I was sipping water at the water fountain.  Not too shabby! 

Back at home, I ate turkey bacon and scrabbled eggs and hot hot coffee for breakfast. Then I took a hot hot shower and stretched in the shower. Love it.  

Party Runners.

"Let them eat cake."
Tidbit Quiz: Who said that?

Here's the list of folks who are running/walking/crawling 3.1 miles with me on Nov 4th, 2010 as we celebrate my 31st birthday.

1. Denita 
2. Megan
3. Jill 
4. Sherri
5. Liz
6. Christina 
   
7. Ty  
8. Aneta  
9. Alan
10. Christine

Remember to write a run-recap and email me a link to your blog/recap so I can direct my people to your blog. 

Do try and take a picture of you giving me a birthday toast - coffee, tea, Green Monsters, a glass of wine, chocolate milk, whatever! I'll post the picture here on the blog too. Send the picture to my e-mail address or tag me on Facebook, whichever way is easy for you.

Happy Running!

                                                

Celebrate With Me!

Come, celebrate my birthday week with me.
I'm hosting a fun run as part of my birthday celebration.

So, here's the deal:
Race: Spread Some Birthday Love
Distance:  Run 3.1 miles (because I'm turning 31)
When: Do your on Nov 4, 2010
Cost:  None. You don't have to come bearing gifts to run this.

What do you do?
1. Before the race: E-mail me at christinahchua79@gmail.com with the following information:

• Distance you are running. 
• Blog address (if any)
• E-mail address
• And your name, of course.
  Please use "Virtual Race" under the subject line of your e-mail.
  Last date to register will be Nov 2nd, 2010. I will have a list of participants on the blog on Nov 3rd posted on this blog.

2. After the race:

• Take a picture of yourself after your run with a drink toasting to me! (Any kind of drinks - Green Monsters, chocolate milk, water, Gatorade, wine, Kool-Aid, sweet tea, coffee.  Or eat a cake! I don't care. Knock yourself out.) 
• If you aren't huffing and puffing too badly, throw me a birthday greeting!
• Send me a link to the race report and your finish time.

Why should you do it?

• Because I haven't celebrated my birthday in a while. No. Really. I have been mellow for years.
• Everyone who runs it will be "featured" on my blog.

And let's keep this blog kid-friendly - please do not run in your birthday suit. Thank you! :)