Ran the Run of the Mill 5k this morning, it was so much fun. Races out here are definitely different. Smaller, cleaner, so family/animal-oriented. Truthfully, I feel a bit out of place. But thankfully I had a racing partner today, which made it all worth it.

J & I have run off & on together since we were teens, in other words, we have seen each other suffer & succeed many times over. But more importantly, we both fell in love with running around the same time...which has bonded us together for life.

Today was no different, we met up before the race, did a little pre-race warmup & hit the course as hard as we both could. It was obvious that neither of us are in great running shape, but it was still fun just the same.

Distance: 5k + .5 warmup/cooldowns @ 22:+ something (eek, that's slow)
State of Mind: Hilly, calm course...positive attitude.

In an effort to add more miles to my week, I had the hubs plan a trail run for us as the evening was cooling down. We went to this fantastic park called Saint Edward Park which I guess used to be a seminary & now is a private college.

We didn't do a huge amount of running as it was very hilly but it was wonderful to try something new & take in dark woods, perfect trails & waterfront views all while hearing a live show in the background.

Distance: 3-4 miles
State of Mind: Even though I desperately need more miles...this felt great

I was so naive to think that leaving NYC would bring a new sense of calmness to my hectic life. But that's okay, it is my job to adjust...I am happy to at least try. Rushing out of work to try to make the Wednesday night track workout with ESR proved to be a little more difficult than I thought. After dealing with traffic, I was able to arrive just as the workout was starting. Which is not exactly how you want to start something as hard as a track workout.

But nonetheless, I jumped right in & was able to get my body/breath in control the best I could. We ended up doing a ladder workout, consisting of a 1600, 1200, 800, 600, 400 with an 800 recovery in between. Although the temps are nowhere close to the East Coast, it has become very hot here so running in 80 degree where was a challenge.

I didn't feel all together fast today, but that's okay. More importantly, I was able to push myself & feel that sense of brutal rawness that I so crave in running. Which I miss so very much.

Distance: 1600, 1200, 800, 600, 400 with an 800 recovery
State of Mind: In time, things will settle down.

Although my last entry was quite down, I have to say that I am trying (fingers crossed) to accept this time in my life. Although I don't understand it, like it or know how to deal with it...me changing a bit is not all together a bad thing. There has to be guys that like girls like this. Right?

So today, after a nice day at the office, I took the long commute home (temporary home) & did an easy run on my own. As I am starting to understand the area more, I think I can increase my mileage...but I just followed route that I wanted to try through town center to see where it took me.

It ended up to be shorter than I wanted, but what is a girl to do.

Distance: 3.5 miles
State of Mind: It's something.

I have to say I am not impressed with what has happened to my body over the last few weeks. Starting a new job, being extra tired from the "newness" of it all & frankly not having a lot of friends that I can call up for a routine run has seriously killed me. And I would be okay if I didn't gain weight solely in my stomach which automatically makes people think I'm pregnant. Which is another battle on it's own. Believe you me.

I think it's a combination of cutting my miles back & not walking as much as I was used to in NYC...either way, I need to make some changes before no man will be able to look at me in that same convincing look that I have grown so accustomed to.

On a usual holiday weekday in my life, I would have probably gotten a good run in & did something extra when I had the opportunity. So I tried to mimic my old behavior as best as I could by meeting up with the 6th (my little bro Tristan) & playing some tennis. Afterwards, I did 2 miles on my old high school track. I would have done more...but solo running is just soooo not for me.

Distance: 1 hour of tennis + 2 miles
State of Mind: Help me!

Up early to watch my love Rafa win Wimbledon so I was able to sneak away during the second set to get a quick run in before the day's many events. I have to say that my mileage has pretty much been cut in half since arriving in the PNW...something I think my body is having a hard time reacting to. But I will make it through this transitional period, I just know it.

Distance: 3.7 miles + 7 minute strength training
State of Mind: Hello tire!

Just like that, snap, I feel so out of shape. I think the stress of working again, coupled by all the newness has just thrown me off a bit. So I as excited to get up early & meet ESR for a long run this morning. As ESR meets up a different locations each Saturday, I had to drive South to the Lake Sammamish area to join the group. The amazing thing about the Seattle area is how much wilderness & water surrounds each community. Last weekend, I was running on Lake Washington, this weekend a completely different lake only a few miles away. Completely serene, full of calm views that are literally to die for. I am trying to take in all the beauty as a newcomer because I know soon enough I will take advantage of it all.

Today, even though I was feeling a) fat b) sluggish c) tired, I opted for the longer run to tack on some hard miles to my week. The only people doing the long run were 4 guys, which pretty much sealed the deal for me. But the problem was it was a hilly run, something I knew would be tough for me to keep up with.

We headed out on Lake Sammamish & about a mile in, cut up & immediately came to a mile plus hill climb. As I watched the guys climb further & further ahead of me, I knew I was in trouble. But once we hit the top, I was able to quickly catch up with them. We ran alongside quiet roads, hit yet another lake, Pine Lake, which I remembered vaguely from my past, before heading back down to Lake Sammamish. At mile 8, I was counting the minutes until we could hit the finish, which seemed to take forever. My god, being out of shape feels awful. But soon enough, we made it. And I felt fine. Felt balanced again. How I love running for challenging me so. Plus, I think I found a new running boyfriend...a little young, but I can train him.

Distance: 10.3 miles
State of Mind: Yum