Last weekend - an effort in madness

I've spent every day since last Saturday reminding myself to post an update, and every day until today (Friday!) not getting around to it.

Today that changes.

It's not that Saturday's run was mind-blowingly long or fast, or that Sunday's ride was a personal record. It's that last weekend all together was crazy.

I used the gift card from the exceedingly generous (and exceedingly anonymous Shoe Fairy) to buy new kicks at Big Peach. My first run in 10 days was on Tuesday, and I wore the shoes. It was only a 4-mile jaunt, but my calves got really tight, my right arch hurt, and I thought the shoes were at fault. I ran 6 on Wednesday (still very tight) in the old shoes, and because I was still soooo tight and sore on Thursday, I didn't run at all.

That brings me to Saturday (in my old sneakers). It was a partly sunny day, which worked in our favor because it was also about 36F, which is to say chilly. I was dressed just right for the occasion, however, in knickers, a light wool base, a short sleeved top, and mitten/gloves to keep the fingers warm. I felt perfect the whole time.

C sporting her fancy new hat before the run.
These photos really emphasize how short I am.

C was still making up extra miles she missed from her injury a few weeks back, but we ran my ten together before she did another five on her own. We had a great time, as she had just won a TNT hat (which just that very morning she said she wanted) and had brainstormed an idea of having the man, the myth Will Ferrell come to the marathon in March, as he is a known runner and all-around great guy, and will happen to be in the area for Anchorman 2. It's kismet!

Anyway, we set out to average an easy pace so as not to hurt our little tootsies, and we did just that. I enjoyed her company and we both enjoyed a hot cup of soup and sandwich afterward.

Stats:

Average pace: 11:12 (11:51) min/mi
Distance: 10.23 mi
Time: 1:54:35 (2:01:12)

We decided that we were going to let social media help us on our Will Ferrell quest. So, Mr. Ferrell (or his minions), if you are reading this, please consider running the Georgia Publix Marathon on 17 March. You'll be local and still coming off training for your half a few weeks ago. Even if you don't run, we would love for you to make an appearance at the Team in Training tent at the finish, where we promise not to stare or geek out too embarrassingly. Between us, we've raised over $3,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society since November -- how much more would you like us to raise in the next couple weeks for it to be worth your while?

Or, if you can be bribed, I have an original PlayStation that you can just have.

==

Sunday morning was cold. Very cold. I mean cold. It was so cold, it was a frigid 28F out and I only entertained the notion of riding because it was also incredibly sunny and because I knew I could bundle appropriately. Special mention goes to G-man for his turtle and gloves, because it would have been undoable without those.

Can you tell I'm smiling? There's terror in those eyes.

Despite the high number of positive RSVPs to the group, I didn't anticipate a lot of people actually at the ride, and I was right. Only the lovely B joined me, also swaddled in her southern winter finest. I would have asked for a bystander to get a picture of the two of us, but there were no bystanders in that weather, and certainly none without gloves on to work the phone's camera.

I'll point out here that none of the Tough Guys showed up. B and I felt pretty smug on that point.

As it was just the two of us, and B deigned to ride out to the rock and back with me (we both wisely skipped doing any loops), and suffered together through the cold and very windy day. We almost had our bikes blown out from under us, and the wind was more temperamental than usual, changing direction at the drop of a hat. We suffered through it, however, and were rewarded with a balmy 36F and calm brunch back at LPM. Sitting in the sun was amazing: it was like sitting in a hug. It was so warm and beautiful, and I can't believe we'd considered sitting indoors (the only reason we didn't was because LPM was hop hop hopping).


Stats:

Maximum speed: 34.0 mph
Average speed: 14.0 mph
Distance: 27.89 mi
Time: 1:59:18

I had a fantastic time riding with B -- it hadn't happened in a looooong time, and I think that riding with her is part of the reason I turned in so fast a time (that and the wind, though I swear it was never at our backs). We got to catch up and just talk, and I had a wonderful time "pulling" her, though when she took over, it was no work at all for her to pass me and get in front.

She's so kind to let me pretend.