Clear Head

A few times a year, I have a run that happens at just the right time. There's the craziness with the baby coming and all the home improvement projects. There's a couple tough weeks at work. There's the first stress headache I've had in years. Then there's a run that makes it all go away.

The weather cooled off today, dipping into the mid-80s after a couple hot, humid weeks in the mid to upper 90s. When I stepped out of my car I realized I left my iPod behind and decided to leave it there. I needed and wanted to hear what was going on in the world around me, especially on the most beautiful stretch of the W&OD trail between Hamilton and Paeonian Springs. After a few minutes, the headache that followed me from the office disappeared and my mind completely blanked out. It was the first time in weeks that I had some peace and quiet. And it went by so fast. Before I knew it, I finished my planned five miles and headed home feeling like I could run five more.

7/30 to 8/12 Running Summary

I had one down week and one up week. I really think this past week was something to build on. It was a tough week to lace up. The weather was incredibly hot. I ran outside on Monday and then headed indoors to the treadmill for the rest of the week. I'd lost my tolerance for the treadmill, so each run felt tedious. What I really need at this point is a solid long run. That always seems to inspire me by giving me something to look forward to each week and build my confidence for the week to follow.

Baby Talk

It's about time I announced that my wife and I are expecting our first child. The baby is due September 10...yeah, really close. Of course, being a runner, it occurred to me that a baby will provide a real challenge in finding time to run, but it will also provide a lot of opportunities for creative thinking. Soon I'll be balancing sleepless nights with the need to get a short run in just to clear my head and wake me up.

I started looking around at jogging strollers and, like everything else baby-related, there are a million options that range from so-cheap-it-won't-possibly-work to why-would-anyone-pay-this-much. That means a lot of research and a lot of time I don't want to spend right now. I have been looking at yard sales. Along the way, I've developed some bizarre theories. I won't buy one from someone who doesn't seem to be a runner, which I determine by what they are selling and, more importantly, what's in their garage.

If anyone has any ideas or advice about jogging strollers, I'd love to hear it. Any recommendations for strollers. Also, how soon can I put a kid in a jogging stroller?

7/16 to 7/29 Running Summary

I kept things moving over the last couple weeks, but it's been difficult to find the time on the weekends. I'm feeling a lack of direction now without a focus for my efforts...like a race. The problem is I can't make any commitments for September or October, which I'll explain in the next post. For now, it's about just getting in the miles, keeping a little momentum going so I can step things up when I get the chance.