Lowry Park Zoo Run Run

I did this race last year and remembered it being really tough. But...it's about time I get back into doing events again (I really need the accountability:)) so when I heard Emily was doing it again I decided to sign up!

I had to get up at 5:30 for pre-registration so it was pitch dark when I arrived...

The race route went through the zoo and alongside the Hillsborough river and surrounding area. The animals are still sleeping at that time for the most part so I only actually managed to see an eagle and eel that I remember! It was just over 85 degrees so there were a lot of walkers and the pace was slow which was exactly what I needed :).

I was really proud of myself that I managed to run the whole thing despite the temperatures. Running in the heat is still something I really struggle with but I am doing so much better at toughing it out now. We were so spent at the end that we couldn't even stand up for the post-race picture!

And the best part of all? Heading home to enjoy the weekend (go back to bed) with another event completed and it's not even 8:30!!!

Dogs are smart...

So I have managed to run 3 times a week for 3 consecutive weeks! The very last run however was in NC while on vacation and was awful for a number of reasons:

• I had been eating and drinking way too much over the previous couple of days.
• I went out midday thinking that the temperatures would be cooler than in FL. I later discovered the "feels like" temperature was over 100 degrees:(.
• I took a dog with me who gave up sooner than I did. Now I could have returned him to the house after the first mile loop of course but he gave me the "you're crazy if you carry on with this" look and I believed him. He's a very smart dog.

• NC is very hilly and I hate hills because I'm a wimp.

So after only one disastrous mile I gave up. Not just for that run but for the whole week! I just didn't want to run again. Ever! Anyway, now I'm back home and a week of excessing has taken it's toll. Physically I feel like crap and I want to get back right away to some healthy living. The running Gods must have heard me since on Tuesday I got an email from Active Trainer reminding me that my training for the Half in November begins this week. I'm still not feeling confident that I'll actually be able to do the race itself so I'm going to stay focused on just the training for now. Oh and that 'running three times a week for four weeks in a row' thing that I haven't done yet!!