I Almost Died This Week...

Ok, slight exaggeration...but it sure felt like it!  My gym was closed for cleaning this week...lame, trust me, I know!  We were eligible to go to other clubs but that would require more driving and I'm a semi-busy girl ;)  So, unfortunately not doing anything wasn't an option.  I really, really wish it had been but since my race is just a little over a month away (Eeek!) I came up with a plan.  It went a little like this:

Do every single run outside this month so you do not die on race day!

 Well, I am happy to report that I have logged 5 runs outside and about 17 miles...still here, still kickin it.  Let me tell you, I thought running was hard in general but running outside is a whole new ball game.  Here are some issues/barriers/challenges I met along the way:

1)  The ground is not flat.  Sidewalks disappear.
2)  The sun is hot and humidity is not my friend.
3)  Hated the wind at first since I was running against it...then realized it was really a blessing in disguise keeping me cool.
4)  People make cat calls and stare as you "run" by...YUCK!
5)  If someone wanted to abduct me it wouldn't be hard cause I'm already running as fast as I can!
6)  I hate running with stuff in my hands therefore I have not had water with me...I might have to suck it up and by one of those belt thingies.  I can make it about 45 minutes but anything beyond that I realized I NEED the water!
7)  There isn't a lovely display screen in front of me telling me how long I have been running for and what mile I'm on.  I do have my watch on but its hard work to lift that arm when all you're trying to do is put one foot in front of the other!
8)  Pacing...what's that?!
9)  Luckily I haven't had any bathroom issues yet...
10)  You get rained on.

So, yeah, I e-mailed my trainer to let her in on my plan and she acted all surprised that I hadn't been running outside.  Psh, AC, fans, water, mile counter, moving platform...why the heck would I run outside?!  She informed me that from now on rain, shine, or humidity, I would be doing my runs outside.  SUPER. 

Another thing I  have noticed is that running outside is brutal on my body.  My hips hurt...well, I just kind of hurt all over.  I started sleeping like crap again...trainer attributes this to the extra stress on my body.  I'm meeting with her on Monday, so we shall see if she cuts back on my mileage or is just going to torture me with no sleep.  Speaking of sleep...I'm going to bed.  Sorry for this really boring, pictureless post.

XOXO,
     NMO