Miracles Really Do Happen!

Saturday wasn't just a good running day...it was a MIRACULOUS day.  I did something I never thought I'd do...I earned my first running medal.  Now this wasn't a finisher's medal...the type everyone who crosses the finish line gets.  Nope...this was a real honest to goodness medal I earned.  Well...kinda.  Here's my story:

In an effort to get in my October race I needed to run this weekend.  Last weekend we were out of town and I have conflicts the next two weekends...so that meant this was the only weekend available.  The only problem is that there weren't many races to choose from...without driving a couple of hours. I finally found a race that was close to me.  I had trouble finding it, because it wasn't well advertised, but I finally found the Benevolent Charity Fund Stamp Out Poverty 5k.  

Old Runner's Blessing

No...I'm not really old (even though I'm not young either) and I'm only a "random" runner.  But, I had a little time to think during my run yesterday. This is what happens when I run 8 miles and have 90 minutes with nothing to think about.

That's right...I stepped it up yesterday and ran a full 8 miles. Why?  Because I felt good. Because the weather was wonderfully cool. Because I need to work towards my goal of 10 miles. Because I haven't felt the need to take Advil lately. 

Embracing the Randomness

September is over.  It was both a good AND bad month for running. The month started with very little time to run, and ended with me breaking records. Times like this is why I'm the RANDOM runner.

So...here's what I did manage to accomplish in September:

October Marathon Goals

October is here!!!  I'm looking forward to possibly getting a peak at fall...cooler temperatures and lower humidity.  We don't really have fall here in Georgia, but I'll take any relief from the summer heat I can get.

October is also the month of the Joggermom Marathon. (Read more about it here.)  Now that the event is starting I need to decide what my goals will be.  I could just go out and run...but I do that every month.  I've decided to set a few goals to make the month more challenging.

Race for Education

First...I think I may need to change the name of this blog.  What do you think about the "Random Blogger?" I guess I just couldn't call myself the Random Runner if I ran (or blogged) too regularly.

Moving on...
Saturday I ran in the Race for Education...a local race sponsored by Central Georgia Technical College.    You may remember that my goal for the next 12 months is to run at least one race (a 5k or more) each calendar month.  That took care of my September race.  I know what you're thinking...I waited until the VERY LAST weekend of the month to race.  Between soccer, cub scouts and when races were available this was the best race for me.

My New Obsession

A few months ago I told you about my love of  running shorts.  Really, it's an obsession.  Well, I've discovered an new obsession:  running headbands.

I used to run with a narrow little headband, but that didn't keep my long bangs from flopping around and bothering me. Very annoying.  My next solution was a hat.  I love my dri-fit hat...it keeps my hair out of my way and wicks the sweat off my forehead.  So much better!

10k Baby!!!

I wasn't planning on posting today...but I had an epic run. Not a good run, not a great run...an EPIC run.

For starters, I woke up to a beautiful 63 degree morning. That's a whole 10 degrees cooler than my last run. It's amazing the difference that makes. Second, Monday's run had been record breaking in many ways. I was sure today's would be even better.

A Day of Firsts

Today was a great running day.  Some days are good, others are bad...but today was great.  I love starting the week off with a good run.  It makes me feel strong, it makes me feel confident, it makes me feel like I can conquer the week ahead...and it makes me feel tired.  Once I finish this post and take a nice power nap...then I'll be ready to conquer the week.

Today I did something I've never done before...I ran my first virtual race.  (Click here to learn more about virtual races)I know I told you before I signed up for a virtual marathon...well that one's coming up in October.  This was another virtual race I found through one of my Facebook running groups...and the race that opened my eyes to the grand, exciting world of virtual running.

He Said What?!?

Today I had a doctor's appointment. It started out like usual...weight, height, blood pressure, sit in the cold little room in my underwear, etc. Soon the doctor came in and it was time to get the appointment under way. Next the doctor wanted to listen to my heart and lungs.

After listening to my heart for a moment he had a strange look on this face. That's when he asked is I ever exercise. I told him I run 2-3 times and bike 1-2 a week (that's probably a little stretch...but we can keep that secret between us). The concerned look left his face, and he responded, "You have a slow hearts beat like an athlete."

August Adventures

Another month has come and gone.  August is always one of my favorites because the kids head back to school (though I didn't like part when I was a kid) and it's my Birthday.  The start of school means the start of scouts, dance class and sports.  It's been a marathon month...in more ways than one.  Here's what I did  in August: