What a great running week! Not really because of the runs (though I did have some pretty good ones) but because of the fun and social aspect of it. Woohoo! Wednesday was the Cleveland Rite Aid Ambassador Meetup and I got to meet some new ambassadors and catch up with some of the ones I know and love from past years. It was so great to see everyone – it was like one big happy family reunion!

The weather was great most of the week, too 🙂 I got in two outdoor runs BEFORE work!

Also, Saturday was the Malachi 5 miler. Another great weather day and a relatively fast run for me and the hilly course. 3 outdoor runs in 1 week? That’s a first all winter! Anyway, here I go. Let me get to the week.

Week of 3/6: 22.54 miles

Sunday: 5.14 miles: OUTSIDE @ 9:30 pace

I hadn’t run Friday or Saturday, and after two days off, I guess I was feeling alright! I was really surprised by my pace – I’ve been doing 5.8 mph on the treadmill (so close to 10:20 miles) and wasn’t sure I could do 5 miles but I kept it up and felt great toward the end. As usual, first two miles or so were the roughest but after that the bladder pain/pressure went away and I just took the next 3 pretty easy, stopping just a few times to take a photos, at lights, etc. Wanted to prove to my pregnant self that I could do 5 miles before next weekend’s race – and I did it!

Monday: 4 miles

Run/walk on the treadmill on some tired legs. Funny how only 5 miles can make me tired these days. Woof. No pace written down because it was a run/walk heavy on the SLOW run and walk.

Tuesday: 4.18 miles OUTSIDE @ 9:40 pace

It was my first pre-work run outside in who knows … months? It was warm enough for shorts and semi light out (before daylight savings time change) – I had to take advantage of it. Even got in a few hills and some stairs, ouch!

Look at how pretty the sky was!

Wednesday: 4.26 miles

I got in another outdoors pre-work outdoor run! So happy to have 60 degrees and beautiful weather. The legs were not feeling great, but emotionally I was happy to be outside. AND happy to be seeing my Cleveland Marathon Ambassadors that night!

Thursday and Friday: Long elliptical days. 1 hour and change on the machine and a little walking.

With the race on Saturday and legs still somewhat tired, I wanted to make sure I took a few days off from running.

Saturday: St. Malachi Church Run – 5 mile race

Woo! I had such a good time during this race. Was I as fast as last year? Hellllll no (I was 1:05 min/mile slower in case you were wondering). Was the weather gorgeous? Yes. Did I even enjoy the run? Most of the time, yes! I finished at 46:43 and am darn proud of it. B ran with me the entire time and kept me company AND I only felt like I had to pee part of the time.

See – what a good running week! I have a lot going on this week, so I’m not sure I can keep it up – but I’ll try to get in a few runs and maybe get outside for one. Who knows – maybe spring is REALLY on its way!

Some questions for you:

• Did you do a St. Patrick’s Day themed run?
• Does the warmer weather make you more prone to running outside, too?

PSA for the Marathon – They are in need of volunteers! Can’t run? Love the crowds? Love helping out? We need you! Sign up here!