the treadmill diaries

My hair is the longest it’s been in a very long time – like 10+ years.

And though I’ve been known to keep it short and care-free, I’ve been thinking about doing something a little different with it this time around. A few weeks ago, someone on facebook mentioned donating hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

I learned that Beautiful Lengths has a minimum hair requirement of 8 inches which is a lot less than what others require. And, what’s even better, is that Pantene in partnership with the American Cancer Society creates wigs for women who are battling cancer at no charge to them. But, they create only as many wigs as they can based on the donations they receive.

So, I’m going to do what I can to keep this hair of mine growing and in good condition.

To avoid grabbing scissors to snip it off at the next opportunity, I’ll probably have to keep it up in a ponytail. I’m not a fan of it dangling in or touching my face. But, I think that’s a small price to pay in return for doing good. And, the ponytail look is very pro running midday and not looking crazy afterwards at work. J

Plus, I like the idea that a small choice I make can potentially have such a positive impact on someone else’s life.

If you’re interested in learning more about the program and how you can participate, feel free to check out the donation requirements.

Have you ever participated in this program or something similar that benefits others?

I started off this day wanting to accomplish two basic things.

#1 – My doggies are in serious need of pampering. So first thing this morning, they were whisked off to the groomers where they’re getting pedis and new summer doos. Considering they’re this cute to begin with, they’re bound to be simply irresistible after their day at the salon.

#2 –I wanted to try LSD today. No, not the drug. Drugs are for losers. I’m talking about a Long Slow Distance run. And, I set my sights on 7 miles. The good news – I made it happen, felt really good during the run, and had respectable stats:

Enter the Unwanted Saturday Drama.

While on my run (at about mile 5), I decided to turn off onto a pretty quiet road to take shelter from the hot sun and to cover some flat distance.

To set the scene, imagine a road lined with woods on one side and a restaurant and a real estate office on the other. On Saturday mornings, you don’t expect to see anyone at the back of this lane.

When I was making my way through this isolated area, low and behold I spotted a guy hiding in the brush behind some trees just watching me. He looked like he was dressed in his bedtime outfit of a wife beater tank and large baggy running shorts. What was even more odd is that he seemed to be intentionally trying to keep himself hidden at the point where I was expected to exit.

I was completely freaked out. And immediately went into paranoid mode (thanks Mom & Dad for raising me to be cautious!)

I sent my husband a text letting him know about the ‘creepy guy alert’ along with my location. I then turned around and made a b-line for the restaurant parking lot where there would be people (which is in the opposite direction from the guy).

After doing a bit of off-roading, I cut behind the real estate agency, through the restaurant parking lot, and hit a highly traveled road. I’m expecting my pace at this point was pretty decent – fueled by adrenaline.

I was then surprised (and happy to see) that my husband had made it to my location where he signaled to me and then took off to check out the area where creepy guy had been hanging out.

I felt comfortable enough proceeding with the 7 miles at this point. Plus, I was safely escorted and checked on the rest of the way by my strong, protective man.

Perhaps, creepy guy was really just weirdo guy who had no plans of doing anything other than hanging out where he was – and it coincidentally happened to be where I was running. But, you can bet that I wasn’t taking any chances and I’m glad that I played it exactly like I did.

Thanks to my husband as well for being my hero, as always.

Have you ever been freaked out by something or someone while outdoors working out?

Before getting into the details of the event and how I did, I have to say that I really enjoyed taking part in the

The turnout was fabulous (about 5000 of us took part), the runners were polite and supportive of each other, and the crowd did an amazing job of gathering and cheering us on. Plus, a special shout out to the peeps who sat out with garden hoses spraying us down around mile 2. It felt great. J

Now, here’s a bit more about how things went down and my individual results.

It was a lovely day in Manchester NH. Sunny, blue skies, temp in the high 70s, and a light, cooling breeze. The perfect set-up for a run downtown. But getting downtown was a challenge because of the number of us trying to do it.

With literally minutes to spare, I made it into the city, found a parking space, and had to jog around to find / grab my race bib. Coincidence that it was in my favorite green color? I think not.

Then, it was time to hustle over to the starting line for our assigned waves: Professional runners, Casual Runners, & Walkers. I was in wave two anticipating that I would come in somewhere above 10 min miles based on my training this past month.

When the starting gun was fired, the crowd barely moved since there were so many of us. But eventually, we got on our way.

Attending a race of this size for the second time, I knew what to expect. The start would be slow. I would have to weave my way around runners in the first mile until we all set into our actual paces. And, I’d have to make up time to finish with numbers that matched up to what I’m used to seeing in training.

My splits were solid and improving with each mile:

…and as a result my finish was respectable. I was happy with it. In fact, more than happy with it since I haven’t been this fast on a 5K since before pregnancy. This tells me that I have it in me to get better – possibly back to my old numbers and beyond.

I wasn’t expecting to PR yesterday but I was expecting to prove a point to myself and I did. YES.

Which is why I was sporting a look of extreme satisfaction after the race….

…or maybe the look was saying ‘I know my husband picked up pizza and starbucks for my post-run celebration and I can’t wait to devour it’. You be the judge.

All in all..it was a fun event, a solid running performance, and a great day. I can’t complain.

Whoa.  Let’s slow down a bit.  It’s not time to GO yet.  But,  it’s getting close.  Real close.

What am I talking about?  Taking part in the …

… and the fun gets underway at 6:20 pm today.  I have to admit that this is the first race I’ve done during the week and right after work.

But apparently people dig the idea and the event.  More than 5000 people will be joining me this evening.  Very Exciting!  And..I’m bound to finish ahead of at least one or two of them.

In all seriousness, this is about going out and enjoying myself and not about how I finish – as long as I do finish.

Since I’ve been running every day, I dialed things back yesterday to a short run at lunch and did even less today with an easy walk just minutes ago. 

But, I do have my pre-race, ‘I can’t wait to get going’ look ready…see:

 Please excuse the fact that I don’t have an ounce of make-up on.  It happens.

More to come after the event.  Ciao!

In tribute to our boys, my husband and I have signed up for the 2011 Share Walk for Remembrance on October 15th in St Louis, MO. 

This is an opportunity for us to not only honor their memories but also a way for us to give back to an organization who has been there to support us during a time of great need.

It’s unfortunate that we can’t completely shield families who have or will experience such a loss in their lives.  But, we can be there for them and support causes & organizations who can help them to go on with life when dealt such a tragic circumstance.

If interested in learning more about our walk or to take part in the fundraising effort, please visit http://www.active.com/donate/sharewalk2011/JulianAndMicah.

Julian and Micah – we love you, always.