Running For Fun

This morning I ran 6 of the best miles in forever. I felt AMAZING. Last week I ran 5.5 gorgeous miles on the trail Wednesday. It was a stunning mid-October day and I wore a tank and was almost hot but not quite. And between those 2 runs?

NOTHING.

And I'm so not stressed about it, and I can't tell you how much I'm LOVING that feeling. If I go out and feel like shit, I can bail after 3 miles and who cares!? If I feel spectacular, I can run as long as I want and as fast as I want. Today, my average pace was 9:55 minute miles! THAT IS WAY FAST FOR ME.

So instead of running, I've been giving back to my family. They sacrifice for my training more than they should, even if they don't see it as such. It was nice to hang with them all weekend, and not worry about when I was going to get a long run in.

So I guess you could say I like this laid back approach.

BUT! Unlike last year, I still have a goal to meet. Which means I can't just stop running regularly. Last October I logged 53 miles. Only 11.64 were post 10/10/10 (Chicago marathon). I ran 23 in November and 10(!!!) in December. This year, so far, I've run 810 miles. Which means I still need to run close to 20 miles a week to break 1000 for 2011. I AM going to do that. But it's going to be more fun and less work. :)

I have been enjoying dinner (and WINE!) with friends, without worrying about being out too late or eating the wrong thing.

There's been a way lot of volleyball happening. Unfortunately, their season ended with a disappointing showing at the conference tournament, but I'm super proud of how they progressed this year.

I got to go with James on a school field trip (yay for youngest kid - I could never do this before!) to the Chicago Botanic Gardens last Friday. It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun.

And yesterday we finally made it to Fright Fest at 6 Flags - we had a great day, and came home to venison chili in the crock pot. We watched a fantastic Bears game. It was perfect.

And finally, 2 decent pictures from TCM. The first is significant, since it is my VERY FIRST official race photo with air. I tend to look like I'm walking. The second is just past their giant inflatable "you're running through the wall." Mile 22 I think? I'm smiling!