Some reasons why August is grand

OK, remember that I told you I had some Amazon gift cards, and I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of some beautiful new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13s in my size? Well, I got impatient. And, I did something I really wasn't planning on; it just happened.

Source

Yes, I bought (gasp!) another brand! And, yes, I was mostly influenced by the color! But, I did do some research and found that this model of Asics is comparable to Brooks Adrenaline. And, Asics come highly recommended from Running Buddy Lori. That's enough for me!

She's smiling because of her shoes.

I decided after last night's 4-mile treadmill run that it is time for new shoes. I can always feel it in my ankles. I have a pair of Brooks Adrenaline waiting for me, and the Asics arrive on Monday. I'm thinking I might switch between the two new pairs?

The shoes are extremely exciting, but there are other reasons I'm super pumped that it's August! Not something you usually here someone in Florida say ... But, it means it's half marathon training month! All the fun begins in the hot, miserable, sweaty, humid days of August. I currently have six half marathons on the schedule, beginning in October, and I keep wanting to add more.

I just found out about this half marathon in Lexington, Kentucky, thanks to this girl. My friend Erin lives in Lexington, and I love the area (and her), so ... hmm. Something to ponder.

And, I really want to do this half again. I have fond memories because of a beautiful half PR there. And, a beautiful trip to New Orleans after!

August also means it's core month. What's core month, you ask? Well, it's a month of core work in the form of a challenge, the August Core Focus Challenge, hosted by Kat at Sneakers and Fingerpaints. She rocks, and I know this challenge will rock! You can join in via ChallengeLoop to receive daily exercises, as well as a chance to win prizes. A strong core makes a strong runner!

Have you switched brands of running shoes? Do you like the switch? Do you use one pair of running shoes exclusively or change up your shoes depending on the day?

A whirlwind week

This week is a whirlwind (rain, wind, a leaky roof, the scariest drive ever, major cleaning, hectic workweek, my dad visiting), so my thoughts are a whirlwind, too.

• Debby has left the area, and I have left the craptastic gym. That place wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be, thank goodness. 

• I’m not really excited about the running part of this All-Star Game 5K run. I’ve decided 5Ks just really aren’t my thing. I get frustrated that I’m not faster (it doesn’t bother me as much in half marathons, but I get really irritated with myself with 5Ks). I guess I’ll just approach it with a “just have fun” attitude, not worry about time and take in all the baseball goodness.
• I got sucked into the YouTube music vortex earlier this week, and now I can stop listening to this song and reliving the good rap days of the 1990s-early 2000s. Man, I miss good rap and good Busta Rhymes. Note: this is an uncensored version and contains foul language. Sorry.

 

• I don’t have a potty mouth, and I rarely (if ever) utter a curse word. But, I’m completely OK with expletive-filled raps.

For the love of the half

I got tired of thinking, debating, mulling over, questioning and wondering whether to do the Florida halfathon challenge, so I channeled my inner Nike and just did it.

I’m officially registered for six half marathons this race season:

• October 28, 2012: Halloween Half (part of halfathon challenge)
• Nov. 18, 2012: Women’s Half Marathon
• December 9, 2012: Holiday Half (part of halfathon challenge)
• January 20, 2013: Clearwater Half (part of halfathon challenge)
• Feb. 10, 2013: Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon

I loved the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. It made me happy.

• March 17, 2013: Beach Half (part of halfathon challenge)

I guess you could say I’m addicted.

A half marathon is the longest distance I’ve run, and it’s by far my favorite. I love the steady, enjoyable pace of a long run.

I used to like 5Ks, but I’m a little disappointed in my times lately. So, now I hate them. OK, not really. I’m just a little soured on them. It’s not them, it’s me.

I’ve only done one 10K, and it was fine. But, I just didn’t find a love for that distance.

But, half marathons and I, we’re crazy about each other.

Running (and other randomness)

Since Florida feels like the surface of the sun (but more humid) from now until at least September, my race schedule drops off dramatically. As in basically nothing except one (maybe two) 5Ks until November. 

Surface of the sun (but more humid): craptastic
gym and outdoors (May-September)

 So, I decided to start dreaming about next race season ... just about six months in advance. 

And, I think I want to do a local halfathon challenge that involves four half marathons: October (Halloween race, and I think I require a costume), December, January and March, in addition to the Women's Half Marathon in November and Rock 'n' Roll in February. Six in six months. That's doable, right?

I keep hesitating because one race involves big, scary bridges. There's no way I'd sign up for the race on its own, but as part of a package deal, I'd have to do it. And challenge myself. I need that. 

Now for other randomness: 

• Jessica Simpson had her baby today! I shrieked a little when I heard it. I'm that excited. What I'm not excited about is that little Miss Maxwell Drew Johnson missed my birth month by a day. One day! I kind of love her name (and her mom), so I'll forgive her.

Maxwell's mom at the best concert ever

• I didn't try almond butter for the longest time because of it's pricey status. Um, $11 per jar? Is this normal? Do others actually pay this price? I found it on sale for $4.99 and could handle that. Problem is I now love it, but I refuse to pay double-digits for some nut butter. 
• I'm looking forward to a May trip to spend time with these crazy peeps.

Hmm. Maybe I'm the crazy one.