Wishy Washy

I just can't seem to make up my mind about committing to another distance race this year. As the year started out I was very eager and ambitious..the Year of the Race! I thought I would be able to keep the excitement all year long.
 
Well, six months later the excitement is nowhere to be found. It seems to have melted into the humidity. I was originally thinking that this year would be when I finally tackled the half marathon. After successfully training and running a 10 miler I know that I can do the 13.1 miler...it's just I don't know if I want to.

All smiles after 10 miles...seems sooo long ago!

 I keep flip-flopping on this subject that even I'm sick of it. The thing is I am now 11 weeks away from the race I want to do, so it's do or die...kinda. Not to be overly dramatic but I should really commit to this thing to allow for the best training possible. Considering the lousy 5K I just ran tonight, I'm going to need as much time to train as possible. I have seriously decreased my distance and now 5Ks are about all I can (or want) to manage. I do tend to intervals while running them, but still, the distance isn't there.

PROS of running a half marathon in September:

• Great time of year (not too hot not too cold...juussst right)
• Great race (the Run for the Grapes is a tradition in my hometown and I've never toed the line at the half)
• Great friends (I might be able to convince a few friends to join me...you know who you are!!)
• Great goal (accomplishing a 1/2 is a great motivator to get my butt back in gear)
• Get it done (cross that baby off my list)

CONS of running a half marathon in September:

• It's a HALF MARATHON!!! (that's just crazy... that's 21.1 kms kids)
• The training (the long lonely runs, the training committment, the loss family time in the summer)
• The training (it's hard..I have to say it twice)
• The support (or lack there of, I'm worried about doing this without a coach and no kick in the pants)
• The timing (as I mentioned above, it's only 11 weeks away...am I pushing it?)
• The nerve! (seriously, this sciatic nerve thing could flare up again, right now it's under minimal control)

Thoughts? Suggestions? Advice? I know a lot of you ladies have experience with this so give me your best.

To run a half or not to run?...that is the question.

Music Monday

When we last left our heroine, she was bravely embracing the early morning run, a true test of strength and ability, but a challenge that was worth the reward....

In all seriousness, my early runs continue to be quite (and quiet) enjoyable. But since I run in morning and don't feel there is a strong 'witness' presence, I err on the side of caution and chose to run sans music. In one way I'm staying safe and alert, well, as alert as I can possibly be at 6am. In another way I'm not cluttering my mind with groovy tunes, but instead I'm absorbing the early morning ambiance. The birds singing mainly, but there is also the absence of other sounds...lawnmowers, motorcycles, my children arguing...you get the picture.

So, that being said, my runs that have included music have been almost like a mid-week treat...like beer on a Wednesday! To make my treat extra special I've recently loaded up on some new tunes to help me through the tough parts.

Here's what currently gets my engine runnin':

Two Door Cinema Club: What you want

This song just makes me want to dance,  when I first heard it I actually reverted back to my dance lesson days and did a step together move...much like the dancers in the video.

City and Color: Fragile Bird

For those of you who know...you know. Mr. Green does it again and this new album delivers. I love the groove, the lyrics and his voice. Apparently I'm not the only one...the album is #1 in Canada and in Australia.

The Sheepdogs: I don't know

These are a Canadian band that have gained attention through the Rolling Stone contest. This crazy group of long-haired-hippy-freaks could be gracing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine if they get enough votes. They deserve it, on this song alone. It's a true summertime song, perfect for sitting on the back deck, sippin' a cold one. I don't know what it is about summer that taps into my inner 70's child...

but I love this song! If you do too...go vote for these guys.

What's new on your playlist?