Race Creepin, Newish Run Route, Yoga & Swimsuit Sale

As I wrote about yesterday, I had a pretty good weekend with the new kindergartner. But I also managed to sneak in my workouts.

Saturday I got up early to run 9 or so miles. It was hot and humid, and I didn’t feel too fast. Buuuut, at mileish 6 I came to a park where I got some pep for my step.

A high school cross country meet was going on. There were tons of teams running all over the park to warm up while others were racing. I normally don’t like seeing high schoolers running when I run – they always seem to have zero percent body fat, and yet to acquire any bad habits, which combine to make them seemingly sprint the whole way. But just being around the energy of the event brought mine up. Of course I didn’t linger too long, didn’t want them to get the wrong idea about the sweaty guy milling about.

On Sunday I woke up early to meet a friend for a run. She suggested we go to the Katy Trail – which is hugely popular in Dallas. However I have only run there once recreationally. The other times were when it was part of a race course.

After a Katy Trail Race. The guy we’re holding up has two heads. It’s a rare defect.

Human pyramids are the perfect cool down exercise after a race.

We ended up going about 6 miles out and back. Halfway we came to a very popular (and very strategically based) patio bar adjacent to the trail. Coincidentally it’s called the Katy Trail Ice House.

It was too early for them to be fully open, but they did have cold water sitting out for the runners. And air conditioned restrooms…can’t forget that! So smart of them to support the running community like that.

It has paid off for them – one time we brought a small group of us to their 2^nd location for a run…

I guess we had a decent turnout that day.

Afterwards we went to yoga, which always burns a little bit more when you’ve run beforehand, ya know? But I know it will pay off in the long run!

Anyway, after that I had to make a quick stop at the sporting goods store. And check this out ladies, what a sale, the swimsuits were HALF OFF!

The prices were drastically shaved!

So there ya go, another decent weekend.

How bout you? Ever creep around a race? Ever done a training run at a spot you’ve only raced at? Who’s going to the bikini sale?

-Scott

Hot Runs: Track Work, Social Run, Weekend Fun

So it’s hot outside.  Like, devil fart hot.  That makes for tough times running.  I’m getting somewhat acclimatized, but there’s only so much you can adjust to.  I tried to get up early and run before work hoping the small clock hour would mean cooler temps.  Didn’t help much – sure the sun wasn’t baking, but for some reason the dawn hours around here are extremely humid.  I did my run, sweated, took a shower, kept sweating, drove to work, sweated at my desk – I’m quite sure my co-workers think I’m up to something.  “Why’s that guy sweating? What’s he looking at on his computer?”

But then on Wed, I met some peeps for a track workout…at 5.  PM!  Holy horse it was blazing.  Trying to sprint 400’s when it’s 102, no clouds, and heat radiating off the black track ain’t easy.  But I got through it (mostly).

Then comes the Thursday social run.  What’s this?  Rain clouds?  Sure it was just a quick downpour that sopped, but at least the clouds will provide relief from the sun that seems to normally be leaning against my face.  Not so much.  The sun that was shining through cooked the wet ground and turned it into rather thick humidity.  But I got through it again.  It helps when there’s 50 other people running with you.  One of which was a Boston Marathon qualifier for this coming year (She told me she qualified with a 3:30’s marathon!).  She kept my pace up by nipping at my heels the whole 2nd half of the run.  We ended up doing a rather decent 7:30 pace – pretty good for a hot casual social run!  And she had a great point – if you can get through these crazy hot runs, as soon as the temps drop, it’s going to feel like you were let out of a cage.  ‘Tis true.  I’ve gone through it before. Running Texas summers = easier fall/winter runs.

Anyhow, we were able to cool off on the fantastic patio at the Katy Trail Icehouse Outpost in Plano.

Only part of our group that was there. We like the mister fans!

I’m not making duck lips, they always look like that.

Anyway, we got no choice.  Gotta train through it.  This weekend will bring more.  I’m thinking long run again on Saturday, possibly followed by yoga.  Then another trail run Sunday, followed by a secret run group meeting.  Stay tuned for info on that last part.

Gotta keep at it!  179 days till the Disney World Marathon Weekend and the Dopey Challenge (3.1, 6.2, 13.1, &26.2)!!!

Peace out internet!