Summer Runs with Friends

Summer is officially here!  And it's a super humid one!  That will not stop me though.  I have two weeks before vacation and on my way to where I want to be with my fitness.  I have created my fall marathon schedule and I don't start my training until September.  That means no crazy long longs in the hottest part of summer in Texas which is July and August.  That also means, I get to enjoy more strength training, yoga and shorter fun runs with Dash and friends.

I can't wait to get this week over with.  I have one more week of work at school this week and then I'm off for two weeks.  In the meantime, it's been great meeting friends for workouts and fun runs.  I love seeing friends working on their fitness.  They all worry that they can't run with me because they see how fast I am, but I always let them know that I don't train in the summer and really just love running for fun.  Besides, I'm not able to run fast in the heat even if I wanted to.  I tell them not to focus on time or pace just run and listen to their body.  We all come in different shapes and sizes.  So, don't get hung up on size.  Fit isn't a size, it's the feeling you get after you complete a workout.  You feel that sense of accomplishment, you feel more energized, you feel more confident in your clothes, you know what I mean.  I always let my friends pace me.  I just motivate and coach them along the way.  I do a lot of walk/runs during the summertime.  It means more water breaks and love chatting while we run too.

Even Dash is not liking the heat and I will not run her no more than 5 miles with me.  However, I do run super early in the morning to beat the heat.  I'm still sticking to healthier eating and if we do out to eat with friends, I select healthy choices.  I just think of all the yummy food in Europe we'll be enjoying that it's worth the little sacrifice now.  Don't get me wrong, I don't go all crazy and indulge in every high calorie treats I can eat, but I do eat a crape or croissant occasionally.  You see, in Europe they don't have any GMOs and everything is organic and their bread is baked fresh daily!  I really don't worry about what I eat while I'm there.  Besides, as soon as we land both Eddie and I are off the see the sights and walk several miles daily.  We also pack our running shoes and yes, I will go for several runs wherever we go.  I love running in new countries and for me it's the best way to see the country/city we're in!  Keep on running :)