Johnson Park

After reading a lot about how Daylight Saving Time affects mood, sleeping and working patterns, not to mention the more long-term effects it can have on your heart, I finally noticed a change in my circadian rhythm, a week after Daylight Saving Time kicked in (have I told you I am ridiculously slow? My light bulb struggles and flickers a lot longer than regular light bulbs before it finally turns on).

I set my alarm at 7:45 am, hoping to join the group for the Saturday morning run. At 7:30, I awoke, turned the alarm off and promptly went back to sleep. I can't just blame the clock, though. I've started reading Run Faster from the 5K to the Marathon. And right from the get go, the author harps on how important it is to customize workouts and train responsively. He advocates Adaptive running, where "runners must train responsively, modifying their training based on how recent training has affected their bodies". Now, we all know this and have heard it a million times, but how often are we willing to forgo the 9 or 10 miles scheduled for that day, just because we feel our bodies need it? And if we do decide to skip the workout, can we do so, guiltlessly?

After a 5 mile run, spinning and swimming on Monday, core workout on Tuesday, 13 miles and more core work on Wednesday, spinning and 1 1/2 miles on Thursday, and 3 1/2 miles on Friday, I felt a strain in my left shin and foot (was I imagining it?). I iced it Friday night and wore a brace all night. I am not used to running more than 3 days in row, so every time I try to do it, my body protests.

So, on Saturday morning, I decided to be indulgent and postpone the run. When I finally woke up, it was past 10. DH and I enjoyed a lazy morning of cardamom tea, oatmeal and lots of TV.

We did want to take advantage of the pleasant weather, so after errands, we drove to Johnson Park in the evening. We parked at the zoo (it's really just a pond and a few cages with a coyote, ducks, geese, raccoons, a boa and an iguana). Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. I was keen on finishing my run before it got dark, so the pics were taken in a hurry.

DH ran 2 1/2 miles along the towpath, while I ran the 7 miles that was supposed to get done in the morning. It was a smooth run; no pain or even stiffness, what a relief!

Here are the loose rocks, where I was forced to get down on all fours the first time!

The towpath continues on to Trenton...a total distance of about 34 miles. Here comes DH, ready to head back.

A few people and dogs were out, enjoying the weather.

I love dogs, but when you come face-to-face with two bear-like members of the species, straining at the leash, on a narrow path like the one in the above pics, you try to put as much distance between yourself and them as is humanly possible.

Today, after another super lazy morning, DH and "the band" are meeting and making noise at someone else's house. I interviewed Jennifer, who will be featured in the Sierra House newsletter. Jenn is an incredible woman, a mother of 3, committed to giving back to society and teaching her kids the importance of helping others even in tough times.

Hope a lovely weekend was had by all.