Thursday, July 31, 2008

extended vacation

So after I ran 12 miles last week, I went to Florida for a short vacation. When I came back, I had a hard time getting back into running.

Then last night, I went for a run, and I got stung by an insect (probably a yellow jacket) TWICE on my left foot. My ankle swelled up & turned purple. I hobbled back to my apt & Ryan took care of me with some ice, benadryl, cortisone, the works. (thank you!) But talk about unlucky! So I've decided that this is the perfect time for an extended vacation from running. It's hot...it rains a lot in the evenings...I get stung by insects, you know, the typical excuses :)

Keep me accountable though. Next week, I really want to start running again, and this time, in the early mornings! It's the only way to beat the heat & rain, and it's just better for the body overall. I just have a reeeeeally hard time waking up early. Not a morning person! Any advice?

furnace of affliction

Alas, it is the last day of July, and the end of my patriotic quote month. I must say I will miss it, it's been fun diving into old documents and searching the web for good words from our Founding Fathers. (i'm a nerd!)

This last quote I think is really relevant to Americans today. I'd say we are going through a furnace of affliction right now. Fears of the economy, gas prices, presidential election, failed & corrupted Congress...all these things could make us afraid, could make us lose faith in America.

But we need this time as a nation. We need to go through the furnace every now and then. When we emerge from the other side, we will only be a stronger, better nation. I only hope that the furnace does not break us, and that we look at this time as opportunity to go back to our Founding Fathers' beliefs and virtues.


The furnace of affliction produces refinement in states as well as individuals. And the new Governments we are assuming in every part will require a purification from our vices, and an augmentation of our virtues, or they will be no blessings.

John Adams
Letter to Abigail Adams
July 3, 1776

not-so-in-motion picture

Oh man, I LOVE this. Found it on Hot Air this AM. Finally someone in the RNCC is thinking! This is what we have to fight against, to hit home to the American public. For as much as everyone wants to blame Bush & Republicans for our problems, how can we forget that Congress is DEMOCRAT led?! Ever since they took over, we've done nothing but go downhill. Can you think of one good thing that they have done for us?

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

review: Sandbar


Sandbar Restaurant
date of visit: 7/25/08

kiwis:
taste: 4
service: 3
ambience: 5

I guess the ambience category isn't really fair here, seeing as this is a restaurant directly on the beach! As in...my feet were touching sand the entire time I ate. Oh so wonderful.


The food is really good & fresh, the only downsides are parking and a slightly rude waitstaff. They rope off the parking lots and only open them as the other lots get full. This is to deter anyone from using the lot to park on the beach. I understand this, but I think they guy they hire as Parking Nazi over the lot is a bit much & intimidating enough to make you not want to eat there. Then the waitstaff is a bit uptight, short in manner and not much for small talk.


But really, the food is great. I had the Blackjack Mahi Mahi - mahi mahi blackened with bacon & cheese and fries. It was cooked perfectly and had just the right spice to it. And as we all know, bacon makes everything delicious. The fries were good too, I'm not sure what seasoning they use but it really makes the fries great. My aunt got a grouper sandwich which I have tried in the past and can attest to its greatness. My cousin got a turkey club sandwich, which was huge and probably tasted good (I didn't try). We were too full for dessert but we did return later...

For some amazing pina coladas! Maybe the best I've ever had...I just needed a paper umbrella! =)

flames kindled

The flames kindled on the Fourth of July, 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.

Thomas Jefferson to John Adams
1821

more reason for me to not watch the Olympics

China is reneging on their promises - surprised? No.

Just more reason for me to not watch the Olympics this year. I don't understand why our country isn't boycotting this. Oh wait...maybe it's because China owns so much of the United States? I don't know :( But how can you support a Communist country who wants to restrict the press coverage of the event?

My favorite is the quote at the end of the article, where a reporter from Communist Cuba is even surprised at how controlling China is being:

Cuban reporter Joel Garcia Leon, with the magazine Trabajadores, said he expected the censorship. But he was overwhelmed by other red tape.

"I'm surprised how tightly controlled and complicated everything is here," he said. "To get a phone number from China Mobile, I have to give them a copy of my passport and my mother's maiden name. This seems quite excessive and abnormal."

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

sweet 100

So a couple months ago I planted a Sweet 100 tomato plant in a big planter on my balcony. The name comes from the promise that it will bear 100 tomatoes per plant. It took a lot of work, because the plant way outgrew my expectations, and I didn't have adequate support for it to really grow to its potential. About a month in, half the plant broke off from the weight :( So I may only get 50 tomatoes.

But there is a happy ending...here are my first tomatoes of the summer! I'm super excited =)

I am an American

Eesh I go on vacation and leave you starving for some more quotes from our Founding Fathers! Here's a quote each day I missed (fri, sat, sun, mon) and a quote for today!

I anticipate the Day when to command Respect in the remotest Regions it will be sufficient to say I am an American. Our Flag shall then wave in Glory over the Ocean and our Commerce feel no Restraint but what our own Government may impose. Happy thrice happy Day. Thank God, to reach this envied State we need only to Will. Yes my countrymen. Our Destiny depends on our Will.

Gouverneur Morris
Speech in 1800

This government, the offspring of our own choice uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support.

George Washington
Farewell Address
Sep 19, 1796

The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished and perpetuated.

James Madison
Advice to My Country
Fall 1834

I charge them, on a father’s blessing, never to let the motives of private interest or ambition to induce them to betray, nor the terrors of poverty and disgrace, or the fear of danger or of death deter them from asserting the liberty of their country, and endeavoring to transmit to their posterity those sacred rights to which themselves were born.

George Mason
To his sons
Last Will & Testament

Independence Forever!

John Adams
July 4, 1826
on the 50 yr anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and date of his & Thomas Jefferson’s death

Thursday, July 24, 2008

review: el pollo loco


el pollo loco
date of visit: 7/22/08
kiwis:
taste: 4.5
service: 3
ambience: n/a

Wow! this is my new favorite place! On a rainy Tuesday evening, I decided I was too tired to cook and too wet to go inside anywhere. Hence the convenient & newly opened El Pollo Loco (on Cobb Parkway).

They are all about their flame grilled chicken, so I got the 3 piece meal with pinto beans & rice. I was also starving at this point so I got a cheese quesadilla to eat on the road. I give them a 3 for service because the drive thru took a long time. At least 10 min. I'm used to the 2 min Chick-fil-a drill (the only other fast food I will eat). But it was totally worth it. My meal only cost $10 and the food was great. If you served it on a nice glass plate with silverware, I don't think you would know it was fast food! The chicken was so juicy and flavorful, the beans were cooked perfectly, and the rice was good, although a little dry. I was even impressed with the crispyness of the tortilla on the outside, while staying soft on the inside of the quesadilla. Mmmm...

So for those of you who know me, I eat at Chick-fil-a at least once a week...but now you may find me at El Pollo Loco!!!

And there are many more locations coming! 50 in the next 6 yrs...crazy...crazy chicken that is!

a change of pace & place

so today I reached another milestone - 12 miles! Very exciting, and very painful. I ran from 8:30-10:30 this morning, and 12 hours & several ibuprofen later my kneecaps are still hurting.

A couple days ago I had the opportunity for a run in Peachtree City. My next race is there in a couple months, so I thought it'd be good to get a sneak peek. I have to say it was really nice! Just to get out of Atlanta for one thing, and then to have fresh air to breathe was great. Then, Peachtree City is known for their golf carts - everyone has one. So this presented 2 good things for me: nice golf cart paths to run on, and then lots of moments of laughter every time I saw a golf cart driving around. It's just such a different world down there, it makes me laugh. You wouldn't believe the different golf carts that exist.

So, I am looking forward to my 15k in October! Can't wait to check out more of the paths.

vindicate the honor

It belongs to us to vindicate the honor of the human race, and to teach that assuming brother moderation. Union will enable us to do it. Disunion will add another victim to his triumphs. Let Americans disdain to be the instruments of European greatness!

Alexander Hamilton
Federalist No. 11
Nov 24, 1787

Hmmm I wonder what Hamilton would think of Obama?? Thoughts?

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

if men were angels

I got too busy for a quote yesterday :( So here's 2!

They accomplished a revolution which has no parallel in the annals of human society: They reared the fabrics of governments which have no model on the face of the globe. They formed the design of a great confederacy, which it is incumbent on their successors to improve and perpetuate.

James Madison
Federalist No. 14
Nov 30, 1787

If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.

James Madison
Federalist No. 51
Feb 8, 1788

Pres Bush visits my street

Yeah, that's right. Too bad I wasn't home at the time. Pres. Bush dropped in to Atlanta yesterday and attended an event right down the road from my humble abode!

"Close to 200 people — including Gov. Sonny Perdue — attended the event at the home of Harrison Merrill, a local developer, just off West Paces Ferry Road."

The closest I got was stuck in a moving roadblock on 75N after work. SO FUN.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Monday, July 21, 2008

ravishing Light and Glory

Sorry...forgot to post quotes on Friday! So you get 4 today :) and they are good ones! just like all the others ;)

Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means.

John Adams
Letter to Abigail Adams
July 3, 1776

Let us recollect it was liberty, the hope of liberty for themselves and us and ours, which conquered all discouragements, dangers, and trials.

John Adams on America's first colonists
Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law 1765

Let the only contest be, who shall be foremost in defending his country.

John Jay
to the General Committee of Tryon County
July 22, 1777

I have not yet begun to fight.

attributed to John Paul Jones
Sep 23, 1779

Thursday, July 17, 2008

shocker!

A little late in the game, Cafferty.
Why does Obama get more news coverage than McCain?

Amazing to me that Cafferty is just now noticing this. But then, does he ask "how can the media be more balanced?" or "how can I be a better journalist when I see this problem in my industry?" No. Of course not. Instead, he asks "Why does Barack Obama get more news coverage than John McCain?"

?!

CNN took my nausea to another level today.

the cause of all mankind

The cause of America is, in a great measure, the cause of all mankind. Many circumstances have, and will arise, which are not local, but universal, and through which the principles of all lovers of mankind are affected, and in the event of which, their affections are interested.

Thomas Paine
Common Sense
Feb 14, 1776

just the facts

Why aren't we drilling in ANWR?

Real & Fake energy proposals - you decide.

And according to the Institute for Energy Research...
Q: Can and should energy be produced in both NPR-A and ANWR's 1002 area?
A: Yes.

Interesting stuff!

p.s. what a funny widget on the IER homepage - countdown til the congressional offshore ban expires.

p.p.s. I am now a big fan of Sarah Palin. Her well-written post on Sen. John Cornyn's blog is a must read!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

amor patriae

Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families. The Amor Patriae is both a moral and religious duty. It comprehends not only the love of our neighbors but of millions of our fellow creatures, not only of the present but of future generations.

Benjamin Rush
"On Patriotism"
Oct 20, 1773

my dad for president?

I think my dad is running for President, and forgot to tell me! Or else he must have a twin...

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

review: Home (revisited)

Home
date of visit: 6/26/08

kiwis:
service: 4
taste: 4
ambience: 4

So we went back to home when my sister was in town...


I have to say I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I was still wowed by most of the food, and will most likely eat at Home again in the future. I just might not be as excited about going.

It was definitely more crowded this time, now that the word is out that this is where Richard Blais can be found. It took a while for service to start. This time there was no tasting menu. So for Snacks, we had Deviled Duck Eggs and Fried Green Tomatoes. Both were superb! I really enjoyed the tomatoes - they were cut vertically instead of horizontally and the fry on them was perfect.

For appetizers we had the Crab Cake and the Chicken Fried Sweetbread. The crab cake was pretty good, had a nice spice to it. None of our party had ever tried sweetbreads before, so we figured now would be a good time to do so. They are very...interesting. This will probably make me sound so pedestrian, but I have to admit, I didn't like them too much. They were so squishy in texture and tasted like a big piece of fat to me. I ate a couple bites, trying so hard to like them and have an open mind. Since every gourmet thinks the world of them. But honestly...I just didn't like them that much. Oh well.

For main course I definitely lucked out with the best entree - swordfish. I was expecting a modestly sized steak, but instead got 2 pretty big pieces of fish. It was cooked perfectly, with a nice spicy rub. You know how swordfish is very steaky and can be very dry? Well this was just about the juiciest swordfish I've ever had. It was great! Ryan had a steak that was just a steak. Nothing too spectacular about it. And Holly had fried chicken. Again, nothing too spectacular about it. Good, but not great. The side dish of mac n cheese was actually more enjoyable to me than the chicken was. Along with our entress came some vegetables, served family style. They too were nothing to write home about. In fact, I can't even really remember what they were...mashed potatoes, carrots...2 others...hmmm

Dessert was cool. I got the Moon Pie with Coke float. The dry ice used to make the float made cold vapors billow all over my plate. Pretty neat! Holly got red velvet cake with cream cheese ice cream, and Ryan got pecan cake with sweet tea ice cream. Both were yummy.

So overall, it was a good experience, just not as great as it was the first time. But upside was that we saw Dale, also from Top Chef season 4, and our server told us that he was being courted to open an Asian restaurant here in Atlanta. It was pretty cool to see him & Richard together talking. I almost felt like I was on the TV show! haha :) I always had a soft spot for Dale and his filipino cooking (Dale thinks it's the next big thing)! I hope he brings it here.

hang together

Here is a "funny" quote, to break up the seriousness of my recent posts.

The story goes that Ben Franklin said this when everyone was signing the Declaration of Independence. The room was so silent and somber, and then he's so clever and says this. It's funny now, and was then, but at the same time, it really makes you shudder. When they signed the Declaration, they were signing their lives away.

We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.

Benjamin Franklin
at the signing of the Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776

Monday, July 14, 2008

loves liberty

Every man who loves peace, every man who loves his country, every man who loves liberty ought to have it ever before his eyes that he may cherish in his heart a due attachment to the Union of America and be able to set a due value on the means of preserving it.

James Madison
Federalist No. 41: General View of the Powers Conferred by The Constitution
Jan 19, 1788

Friday, July 11, 2008

we the PEOPLE

Happy weekend! 3 quotes for you today :)

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Constitution of the United States, Preamble
1787

What do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments, of their duties and obligations... This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.

John Adams
Letter to H. Niles
Feb 13, 1818

If it be asked, What is the most sacred duty and the greatest source of our security in a Republic? The answer would be, An inviolable respect for the Constitution and Laws — the first growing out of the last... A sacred respect for the constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government.

Alexander Hamilton
Aug 28, 1794

the difference between here & there

So does someone want to tell me why this has gotten almost no coverage in the news, while this has practically blown up (it was the top story on google news a couple hours ago)?

Rhetorical question I guess.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

the experiment

I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

George Washington
1st Inaugural Address
April 30, 1789

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

made for each other

With equal pleasure I have as often taken notice that Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people--a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs, and who, by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side throughout a long and bloody war, have nobly established general liberty and independence.

This country and this people seem to have been made for each other, and it appears as if it was the design of Providence, that an inheritance so proper and convenient for a band of brethren, united to each other by the strongest ties, should never be split into a number of unsocial, jealous, and alien sovereignties.


John Jay
Federalist No. 2: Concerning Dangers from Foreign Force and Influence
1787

so close but yet so far

I'm closing in on the marathon! 5 races down, 3 to go! Crazy to think I'm almost halfway there. Ran between 10 and 11 miles yesterday, not sure exactly how much because the rain & darkness cut it a bit short.

But here's the schedule for the rest of the year 2008, if you want to come out and cheer me on! I would love that :)

10/18
Peachtree City Classic 15K

10/26
Augusta Half Marathon

11/27 (turkey day!)
Atlanta Half Marathon

off topic

This has nothing to do with food, running, spirituality, or politics. But it's just so darn cool I had to post it!



If you haven't seen Wall-e yet, you need to go. It is a great film! And if this cute clip doesn't convince you further, I don't know what will!

Thanks for the link Ryan :)

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

I tremble for my country

And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever.

Thomas Jefferson
Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 18
1781

I love that - "I tremble for my country." Does anyone tremble for our country today, when we see how far we've strayed from our founding principles? And the second part "when I reflect that God is just." What are we doing with the gift of liberty? How do we appreciate it on a daily basis?

To whom much is given, much is expected!
Luke 12:48

Monday, July 7, 2008

27 ways...

to run better! love this article

my favorites:
#14 Use the fridge - stock it with good food on the inside and put motivational pictures all over the outside
#18 Run on different surfaces - funny because one of my favorite runs is up W. Paces Ferry to Buckhead, and I always like looking at the different surfaces people use for their fancy driveways
#19 Take a trip - aka travel to exotic places for races! Disney in january...then the rest of the world! mwahahaha!
#24 Start a running streak - pick a race to do every year...maybe the Peachtree?

peachtree road race

The most fun race I've ever run. I can't wait to do it again next year! I told Ryan that right after he found me in the Reunion area, and he said "That's really sick." haha! I think everyone needs to do it, run or walk it, at least once. It's such a fun experience!


Five Points MARTA station around 6 am - all runners here!









Everyone getting off the trains at Lenox station









Ready to walk toward the start













Check out where 80000-99999 had to go! My line-up was with numbers 1-29999 - couldn't really ask for a better start. We started 7 minutes after the first wave.

I got to warm-up in the Lenox Mall parking lot and I lined up right at the intersection of Lenox Rd and Peachtree Road, under a stop light. There were several helicopters hovering at the start, Gov. Perdue did a little intro, and there was a huge flyover - not sure what kind of plane. But I was wowed.

Once the 2nd wave started, I have to say I got really emotional running under the giant American flag. I let out a cheer and raised my arms Rocky style. Then jockeyed for a good position middle to left on the road.




Ryan found a good spot at the finish line. Right around sunrise, the wheelchair racers approached the finish. See the wheels?






Some patriotic runners - I cannot imagine running with heavy flags for 6.2 miles! These guys are troopers. Some other funny runners that I saw included:

Swimmers - guys wearing speedos, swim caps, and goggles
American flag capes - guys with flag capes & red/white/blue wigs
A man answered his cell phone around mile 5 "Hey Sweetheart, I'm runnin the Peachtree! Let me do this thing! I'll call ya back!"
Mohawk boy - guy with mohawk and checkered pattern in his hair




Can you see me?









There I go, on to the finish! I finished with a time of 1:04:40, almost 1 whole minute less than my 10k in February (Charles Harris).

I really enjoyed the race, the atomsphere was just so fun. I couldn't help but smile the whole time I was running. Every mile there were musical acts (DJs, bands, trombone players, drummers), free stuff being thrown out (tshirts, bracelets, bumper stickers), and all kinds of nourishment (yogurt, beer, athletic drinks, donuts, cupcakes). I think it would be fun to walk it next year just to enjoy all the free stuff! I always had a laugh when I saw people stopping for a donut (how can you eat a donut and keep running? I would totally hurl), or people stopping at a band's stage to sing along and cheer.

I really wanted to stay focused on the run for my first Peachtree, so I ran the whole thing, even all the way up Cardiac Hill. This is definitely the hardest hill I've ever run in my life. It's so long! Runners were dropping like flies all around me, stopping, walking, slowing down. But I just kept chugging along, all the way to the end!

What a great time :)

essential liberty

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin
February 1755

no turning back!


I registered today! Disney Marathon here I come! Who wants to come?

Thursday, July 3, 2008

independence day

I probably won't be around a computer much this weekend, so today you get 4 quotes! One for today and three for the weekend. What a treat =)

Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.
John Adams to Benjamin Rush
April 18, 1808

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776

There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable pirvileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves nver to abandon, until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight!!

Give me liberty, or give me death!
both quotes from Patrick Henry - Speech at St. Johns Church
March 25, 1775

almost july 4th

Tomorrow I run the Peachtree!

Check out the course here.

Excited but scared! Running it by myself, so I hope I make some friends out of the other 55,000 people running it with me!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

these are the times that try men's souls

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: 'tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.

Thomas Paine (that's for you Lauren!)
The American Crisis
Dec 19, 1776

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

happy birthday america

To celebrate July 4th, Independence Day, I decided it would be cool to have a patriotic quote or the like each day this month. Nothing big! Just to remind us daily of what we have here in America, and maybe get you in the patriotic spirit! Most of the quotes will probably be from what I've read in Our Sacred Honor, which I think is a must-read/must-have for any American family. It's a great compilation of letters, documents, poetry, stories, etc from our founding fathers on different themes. I think I may have mentioned it in a previous post. Thank you Bill Bennett.

What better way to start than with the Declaration of Independence...


We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

from the Declaration of Independence, Preamble
July 4 1776

something new

Today I did the unthinkable! I woke up at 6 am (1.5 hours earlier than usual) and...gasp...went for a run!

After my glorious 10 mile run, I went a whole week without running. Not entirely by choice. I was really busy last week! But I definitely slacked off the weekend, which was also busy, but I could have fit some runs in there if I really wanted to. But today rolls around, and I can't not run another day.

I like the morning. It leaves my evenings clear, which were the source of my running frustration last week. It's also much cooler (I wore pants! for the first time since...March? February?) and quieter. Less cars on the road, more runners out. And it sets the conditions for every race I've run - early morning.

But there were definite cons. I felt rushed because I had a time limit, had to be back in time to shower & get ready for work. It was also harder to get warmed up, I felt pretty stiff, even after stretching, until after the 2 mile mark. I ran 4 miles today, but could I run 5 tomorrow and still be back in time to get ready for work? Will I have to wake up even earlier? And believe it or not, sometimes the frustration through the work day makes me have really good runs, because I'm running off steam. But in the morning, I just feel kinda groggy.

I have to admit though, it's nice to be sitting at work now and not have to worry about running in about 10 min. I can just go along my merry way!