Went for a short run today, somewhere around 3.5 miles. I went out fast for the first mile and was feeling pretty good. Out of nowhere along comes a dog. At first it runs after me like it wants a piece of my hide, then it runs with me like it is my friend, then it decides take off for the center of the road and weave in and out of traffic.

"Hey! Is that your dog!" shouts some annoyed motorist.

If it was my dog, it would be on a leash. It wouldn't be chasing after runners and darting out in front of cars. If it was my dog, I wouldn't be running down the road trying to ignore the dog or picking up the pace to lose the dog when it seems to be distracted by a bunny. If it were my dog, I'd stop running, call the dog by name, grab it by the collar, and take it home.

"No!" is all I manage to get out as I keep running. Some pedestrians coming the other direction started whistling at the dog and they have leashes; they can deal with the dog.

I kept running...

TOPIC#1: BIKE

I admit it. I don't know much about bike tires and don't have enough experience changing tires to really be in a good situation for riding my bike too far from home. I carry tools and theoretically know how to change a tire, but if I get a flat I may end up calling hubby to come rescue me.

The Giant OCR3 that I ride came with Kenda Kontender tires. I like the idea of getting some new tires with less rolling resistance. This is the tire I'm thinking about at the moment: Vredestein Fortezza SE

I believe I'd gain two things by getting new tires. One, possibly a speed increase. Two, the 'opportunity' to practice the art of changing a tire in the comfort of my own living room (rather than on the side of the road).

Too bad nobody reads my blog - it would be great to see what others think about this idea (and any opinions about this particular tire or recommendations on another).

oh, and note to self: 15.02mph avg at mile 12 today. let's see where we are in a month.

TOPIC #2: RUNNING PACE

I found this nifty pace calculator and this is what I learned today based on the results of my last 5K race.

My max O2 pace is 8:46
My tempo pace is: 9:42
My easy pace is: 11:34
My long run pace is: 11:34-12:59

This is good stuff. And here I just thought I was slow when I went long, but I guess my body knows what my long pace is even if my head doesn't!

I spent so much time over the last year concentrating on one goal: completing my first sprint triathlon. Now that it is over, I really need to identify some new fitness goals. Here is my list so far (in no particular order):

• Stay fit, have fun, and feel good about myself.
• Compete in a 10K this year.
• Gain confidence on my bike.
• Improve my cycling ability and to participate in the Defined Duathlon and feel good about my performance.
• Complete two-three sprint triathlons, including Socorro with an improved performance.
• Improve my 5K running pace.
• Continue to improve swimming and learn bilateral breathing.

Today has been one of those days when I'm feeling not so good about myself. I decided it would be beneficial to look back at my progress this calendar year.

2006 Races
Sweetheart run - 5K team entry - 33:00.4 (my first chip-timed 5K)
Run for the zoo - 5K individual - 32:49.0
Cherry Garcia - 5K - 30:20.0
Soccoro Chile Harvest Sprint Triathlon - 01:37:01.8 (my first Sprint Triathlon)
Chips-n-Salsa 5K - 28:49.6

Other Accomplishments
bought road bike
learned to swim <- this is a biggie!!

I really should feel good about my progress running & swimming and for completing my first Sprint Triathlon, but for some reason I am still in a funk. I still feel like an athete-wannabe; I think it is because I've gotten nowhere fast with regard to my cycling ability. Guess I need to work on that next...

Anyway, here is a little motivation for the day:

Don't Quit.

Don't quit when the tide is lowest,

For it's just about to turn;

Don't Quit over doubts and questions,

For there's something you may learn.

Don't quit when the night is darkest,

For it's just a while 'til dawn;

Don't quit when you've run the farthest,

For the race is almost won.

Don't quit when the hill is steepest,

For your goal is almost nigh;

Don't quit, for you're not a failure

Until you fail to try.

~ Author unknown~

Back to blogging. So, I had a blog site, then deleted it, then created another, and deleted it. Third times a charm?

For the month of September, I had decided to focus on running only. No swimming, no cycling. I haven't missed being on the bike. However, I'm really anxious to get back in the pool. One week left. I guess I better put a training plan together so that I know what to do when I finally show up at the pool again. I am putting up pictures up to remind myself that I really do need to get back to cycling and swimming again soon.

Today is supposed to be my long slow run. I'm really good at slow, not so good at long. Today long equals six miles. I should probably be out there running right now, but my dear husband said he might run with me today. I'm waiting on him because I'd like some company out there on the road, but he runs too fast so I end up running alone anyway.