I'm back!!!

It only took a month :)

BoyToy and I were on the road in January; a week in Iowa, a week in Acapulco, a week in Minnesota, back to Ohio, and then to Orlando for 4 days.  I managed to get all my runs in and even ran 5 times outside!!! Hooray for travel to southern places!

Run 1: Acapulco, Feb. 9, 6 miles

This was a 2 part run.  BoyToy (understandably) did not want me to run outside in Mexico by myself, so he joined me for 3 miles back and forth in front of our resort.  I was really proud of him because 3 miles is DOUBLE his daily mileage.  He runs 4 or 5 times a week at the gym as a warm up to his strength training.  That's it.  But he braved the heat and humidity to keep me safe.  Swoon.

The last 3 I did around the grounds of our resort.  The resort has both a large pond and a long pool with a path around them.  I could make a .67 mile lap out of these paths.  It was a little tedious and boring, but the towel kid was there to entertain me.  I named him "Coach".  I passed the towel stand 5 times and each time he counted down my laps.

"5 more!"
"4 more!"

He was off of my count though and I finished when he said I had 3 left. 

Run 2: Acapulco on the beach, 3 miles (after 7 on the hotel treadmill)

Beach running is frickin' tough.  I mean W-O-R-K.  3 miles feels like 10.  Once again BoyToy joined me, this time shirtless!!!  He was being modest at first, even though I told him not to wear the shirt.  He made it a quarter mile and the shirt was off.  Too humid for a top.  I even exposed my flabilicious stomach to the sun. 

It was during this run that I entertained myself be singing the Baywatch theme song in my head.  I only know the "I'll be ready" part.  Literally.  Those 3 words.  Over. And Over.  (Note to self: learn rest of Baywatch song.)  I thought it would inspire me more to think I was Pamela Anderson, but my chest is too small and BoyToy wouldn't let me call him Hobie.

Run 3: Acapulco beach, 3 miles (7 previous on treadmill)

BoyToy didn't even attempt the shirt this time.  We were also smart enough to each carry our own water.  We shared a bottle the first time on the beach and it was gone before we hit 2 miles. 

Run 4: 11 miles in Orlando

BoyToy was once again very concerned about me running outside in a strange place.  He didn't run with me (he had golf clubs to check out) but I was required to carry my phone.  I had to carry it in my hand because it kept slipping out of my bra (that darn small chest again - no shelf properties!).  Sort of a hassle, but I was able to photograph myself:

and upload it to facebook without even breaking stride!

We were in Orlando to attend the PGA Merchandise show at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).  I figured to stay safe I would do laps around the OCCC - believe me, its big enough - but there are no people around the back sides.  I made the executive decision to then run up and down I-Drive.  More people, more traffic, but they have sidewalks on each side to comfortably run on. 

Run 5: Orlando, 7 miles

Surprisingly not hung over.

I even found a friend!  Liz, a buyer at another Columbus club, joined me for 2 miles.  It was a nice break in the middle of my run.  I was able to change up the route since I had a buddy.  Plus I had someone to talk to - even before she joined me.  Our hotels were about 1.5 miles from each other so as I was running to meet her I had to call her twice to figure out where exactly I was and where exactly the hotel was.  Once again still running the entire time. 

Liz is also smarter than I am.  She wore tights.  I froze my buns off in shorts.  It was about 45 degrees, so not too bad, but I was wishing I would have at least worn (heck, packed) half tights.  Plus, I sort of love my half tights.  They are my favorite running bottom.  They don't head south like my full tights and they prevent thigh chafing!  :)

That was January.  5 runs, 30 miles total.  A 1.2 runs outside per week average. 

I am having difficulty updating my stats. When I open the gadget my internet freezes and I have to close out of everthing.  Frustration.  Maybe BoyToy can figure it out. 

Moisture wicking, my ass...

I am fully aware that while running in a downpour my Nike top (endorsement money, please. Sponsor a slow kid!) will not be able to wick all moisture from me. Instead, it will cause me to look like the loser of the world's worst wet T-shirt contest. However, I did spend $70 on this outfit - is a dry spot too much to expect? I am now on a search for an umbrella hat. Added bonus - you'll always be able to find me in the running crowd.

Yes...you read that correct above. I ran in the rain today. At 6:15am, the day was sunny and full of dryness. Wendy said something about a storm moving in, but I thought we had a couple hours until it got here. Not 45 minutes later the big, dark grey clouds were near us. I was highly optimistic that we were running away from the rain by heading towards the lighter sky of the south. Mr. Rain chose to follow us and completely dump a cloud. Then another one about 20 minutes later, and one more for good measure 10 minutes after that one. I ran 15 miles, only 3 of which were in the rain and I was soaked to the bone. Does that make me hardcore now? I even stepped in a puddle. And outload swore about it. I was so wet that I had to find a blanket to protect my car seat.

I survived, though. And I want a merit badge.

I was super busy at work this week, and I didn't have time to write until today. I ran outside Tuesday and Thursday this week. Wednesday I chose the treadmill so I could read my Entertainment Weekly (top 100 characters of the last 20 years and no Urkel?!?! Outrage. It was on from 1989-1997. I checked before I outraged). Tuesday's run I got lost. Like way lost. Thought I ran to Michigan lost. I took one wrong turn and became completely discombobulated. I was running around my usual lake and had no idea. Once I figured that out, I tried to run in the direction of the golf course, but ended up by the big water tower that is only 2 miles from my house. How I didn't see the water tower looming...

Turns out I can find my running route in a car, either. The BoyToy's parents are in town this weekend and last night I wanted to show them the neighborhoods I run it. I also wanted to show BoyToy because if I get murdered by a squirrel while I'm out running it is his job to scrape me off the road. I told him to turn into the completely wrong subdivision (one with no outlet to boot!). Let's just say after 5 minutes of me having no clue where we were, I could feel the anger wafting off of him.

We finally found the correct neighborhood where I preceded to get us lost once again, by missing the same turn I missed on Tuesday and also not figuring out that I knew where I was until too late. BoyToy, as I should note, still wafting anger. I was able to get us home in one piece eventually, but I don't think I'm ever allowed to be navigator (note to wedding guests: we are registered for a GPS. If you buy it for us BoyToy may marry you instead me). At least it wasn't raining either time I was lost.

Back outside, back inside

We have so much to talk about. After 2 treadmill runs in a row, I ventured back outside on Thursday after work. Surprising, because I was running at 4:00pm, aka "Scary Heavy Traffice Time." As you recall, Scary Heavy Traffic Time is only .42 miles, or less than 4 minutes of running. Don't make me quote all those statistics about seconds between being alive or dead - we've all gotten that email (probably a dozen times). I wore my new bright yellow tank in order to plead with the drivers to see me and not make roadkill out of me.

The new yellow tank top is a Nike compression top. Why, oh why, can I never learn that if something is compression I should buy a size larger? I ran my 11 miles basically in a bra, as the shirt rode up so far I looked like Britney Spears - without the abs. Or, as John King would say, like the Louisville Footloose doppleganger. I apologize to all the young children (including the one who past me on his bike, and then stopped to walk with it???).

Anyhoo...I did more "Kari exploring" and discovered that I live only 2.5 miles away from some really, really nice neighborhoods that have a disproportionate number of homes for sale. I feel very safe in the nice neighborhoods, with their invisible fencing, mowed lawns, hidden parks. Plus, if I were to be hit by a car I know they would call it in quickly. No one with a house that nice wants a yellow topped tummy barer messing up their strategically mowed lawn.

I enjoyed my exploration, I feel now that my runs are much less limited than I originally thought. Before my 3 recent runs from my front door, I would always drive to the running/biking path. I heart my path. No need to stop for traffic, no getting lost, 15 miles mapped out for me with no worries. Neighborhoods have limits. They come to abrupt ends at busy streets. You turn a corner to find a dead end. You run up someone's driveway thinking it is a path (seriously...how does a car fit up that thing? You must have a Mini Cooper or a Smart Car.). The neighborhood near my though, may be just right. I ran 11 total miles only having to double back once and upon my double back, discovering a new wing of neighborhood to explore. One of the parks has their drinking fountains turned on. I might even be able to do a 20 miler from my front door. Crap. All signs are pointing outside.

All in all it was a happy run in my happy color. I returned home having a run a few more miles than planned. Then, 35 minutes later, the internet and cable went out - and you, my 4 loyal fans I am up to, had to wait to hear of my new adventures.

Friday I was back inside. I was really tired and only running because BoyToy and I had dinner plans that night. 6 slow miles were done and beer was drank thanks to them. Saturday I wanted to head back outside, but I worked all day. I worked to early to run before and then late enough that I lost my motivation. Then I fell asleep on the couch at 6:30pm. Today was my usual - a 45 minute spinning class followed by 8treadmill miles. To all my tri friends, does this count as a brick workout?

Week 3 starts tomorrow. The plan is to be outside, but rain is threatening.