Running in Circles

This week was all about training, trying to be consistent, and keeping up with the first of the holiday season.

It was raining several days this week, but I didn't want that to stop me from getting in some good runs.  Lucky for me, campus was quiet and the Rec Center was only charging $2.00 per person to use.  So to avoid running in the rain, I ended up on the indoor track.

I had never used the Rec Center track before, but I gave it a whirl....twice!  My boys were excited because they got to come with me.  They played basketball, while I ran in circles around the track.  I didn't know how far I was going to run at first or how many times I would make it around.  So, I made a goal of running for 30 minutes, to see how far that would get me. 

At about 25 minutes, I was finishing up my 20th lap when my friend Kerri flagged me down.  I was happy to see her :)  Kerri said I looked like I had a good pace going.  That's when I found out that
8 laps = 1 mile. Holy Cow!!...that means I was booking it around that track.  My usual pace is about 12 minute miles.  I was on a pace of 10 minute miles....what???  I finished my last 5 minutes (4 laps) fairly easily with another friend, Madison by my side.  It felt good.  24 laps = 3 miles...done!

The next day, I made plans to meet Kerri at the track again.  I don't usually run consecutive days, but my legs felt good.  Let's do this!  Kerri beat me there and was about 18 laps into her run when I joined her.  She was tracking the miles on her ipod, which confirmed that 8 laps does actually equal 1 mile.  How could I be running so fast??  Crazy!!  I again ran for 30 minutes with Kerri and finished 24 laps.  So cool...another 3 miles done!

Today I ran outside again.  I used an app on my phone called "MapMyRun".  It's great to use as long as you have a pocket to carry the phone in.  I felt great on my run today.  It seemed a bit easier than most of my runs lately.  When I finished, the app said I had run 3.8 miles in 45 minutes (back to a little less than 12 minute miles) and burned 622 calories....I like it!

Its been a good running week.  I completed 9.8 miles with my 3 runs.  I'm on track....27.6 of 500 miles done!!

I have plans to run with my friend Chris O. tomorrow.  Of course I will keep you posted.

Before I finish my blog post today, I'd like to give a little shout-out to my little sister, Laura.  She is an extremely accomplished runner, both in her high school and college careers.  Laura turned 30 this week....Happy Birthday Laura....you inspire me.....I love you sis!!