Just what the Doctor ordered

I made it outside this morning for a run, the first one since getting over this stomach bug, and it was great! I ran with the Lake Effect runners for the second time, I've been wanting to join them again since early December, but between the holidays and various commitments, I haven't been able to do it.

This morning everyone met up in the town next to mine, to run a two mile loop through the village, as many times as you wanted. It was a balmy 35 degrees when I got there, with clear roads, perfect running weather for January. I got my Yaktrax in the mail this week, and even though we have snow, the paths and roads are pretty clean, so I'm going to have to wait for the next snowfall to try them out. Everyone met up at a coffee shop in town, called Ophelia's. It's a nice, spacious spot, they serve big mugs of coffee and bakery items (I took home a box, you know, for Mike). The nice thing is that proceeds from the shop help support their non-profit organization, which provides resources for individuals with eating disorders.

I didn't bring my ipod, I wanted to chat, and I need to learn not to be so dependant on it during runs. We set off, and about a 1/2 mile in, started up a gradual incline. If I have to do hills, that's how I like them, in the beginning, so I can get them over with. The loop passed through quiet residential roads, and a school, we went by a bunch of teenage boys out running, they were obviously having some kind of Saturday morning practice. The run went by pretty quickly, and aside from the first hill, it was fairly flat. Then around mile three, my stomach started churning, which got me nervous for a bit, but I think my body is still working itself out after being sick. So we finished up that loop, and headed back to Ophelias, grabbed coffee, and sat down to chat.

My sis in law, Jeannine, had a new gadget with her, which I lusted after right after she showed it to me. One of the benefits of a January birthday is that I can try and finagle gifts that I didn't get for Christmas. J has a Nike + iPod , and it was really cool. It tracked our distance (4.25 miles), calories burned (457), and pace (9:23).

Speaking of ipod's, I need new running music again, although I have a new favorite running tune, Use Somebody, by Kings of Leon. It kind of grew on me, it's the kind of song that makes you want to run fast, or drive fast.....both of which I like to do.

Don't forget about the Sweet Riot Giveaway....it ends January 22, so check it out!