"I'm housebreaking a tornado."

With only a quarter of 2014 left, I had to take a look at my resolutions from last year. I've had to readjust some due to moving and our finances, but one I let fall by the wayside simply due to laziness is cross-training. So Friday I forwent my usual after school nap and worked out with a couple teachers instead.

Arms and core...my armpits are killing me!

This week, I downloaded Matthew Inman's (better known as The Oatmeal) new book The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances. If you're unfamiliar with The Oatmeal, it's a website of informational/hilarious comics. Inman writes and draws them all; he also runs marathons and ultras. This book is a collection of comics - some already from the website and some new material - about his experiences with running.

I was crying/laughing my way through it; there are also some poignant moments that made me pause and go, "Yeah, I get that."

One such page from Inman's book.

 I think reading it just before my medium-long run was a good idea; today's run was easy. I mean, 9 miles is never easy, but my head was in the right place for it. And I had great company.

I know some of you up north are starting to see wintery weather; we're due for a cold front Sunday!

It was 79 when we started, and 75 when we finished!

Kristin met me just after mile 1 and stayed with me until mile 8. We chatted the entire time; good companionship can seriously make the run.

It sprinkled on us at mile 4. We paused at the park so I could eat a Gu and get a drink. It's so nice to not have to carry water or wear a belt when I'm running this particular route.

I highly recommend this flavor!

My new strategy is to not carry water if I can help it; instead I've started experimenting with hydrating really well the day before and sucking on hard candy during the run to keep my mouth from feeling dry.

So far, these have been working!

After Kristin left me, I finished my run with a smile on my face. We kept the pace nice and even. I couldn't have asked for a better recovery-miles week.

Mile 9, feeling fine!

 Of course, I treated myself to a nice breakfast after the run. 

Eggs over-easy and a waffle. Yum!

(Usually I'd be fasting today for Yom Kippur...this is the first year since 1999 that I haven't. Last year I fasted and moved my long run to Sunday...of course I was exhausted and depleted and nothing good came of that. I've missed too much training this year; I decided not to fast, but it wasn't a decision I made lightly.)

On a final note, Kristina's first marathon is TOMORROW! Head over to her blog and leave her a comment...she's worked really hard and is going to kick serious tuchas!

How do you like your eggs?

Do you eat candy on the run? Any recommendations?

Are you experiencing wintery weather yet?

Wishing good luck and speedy legs to everyone running the PDX Marathon tomorrow!

ABK