It's not about the shoes...

Here are my shoes, cold and lonely on my front porch, right where I left them 2 days ago after my last run. I went out for an evening run, after my husband got home from work and before I made dinner. 2.5 miles, 20:54, it was a good run. A little history on me as a runner:

I learned to run from my dad. I say I learned to run, because the way he trained me, there is a right way to do it. Keep good form, stay relaxed, dress for the 20 degree rule, run negative splits (still working on that one...) and let the run come to you. For the most part I try to keep these running principles in mind every time I go out, all lest the negative splits... but I do consciously try to maintain a relaxed, shoulders back, chin up, and lose arms form. Now, I know I'm not a perfect runner, but I was taught well and think that I'm pretty good at it.

I have a Garmin watch that is both an enemy and best friend all in one... I got it for Christmas last year and found out that I am actually a pretty quick runner. But that thing can be daunting. You know exactly how bad a run is, while your on it. You know what you can do and what you are doing. So... I have mixed emotions about my Garmin, especially while I'm just trying to get back into this running game.

I have run in Adidas SuperNova, motion control shoes since I started running. I love them and will continue to buy them. Sometimes, when I like the style or color, I buy two pairs so that I don't have to risk a hideous color change during the next season. My current pair don't have many running miles on them, but have been through the pre, then pregnancy wringer. I think it's about time to see what this season's SuperNovas look like... Plus, there's no motivation like a new pair of shoes. One more note on shoes, they must be double knotted. I know, it's a little OCD, but my shoes need to be double knotted. I feel the need to say it one more time... double knotted... ha, ha!

I don't walk... unless I think I might die. I will not be that person you see on the side of the road walking, I just wont be. I will slow down, I might even turn down a side street if I really need to stop, but under very few circumstances will I walk while out on a run.

I don't like running at dinner time. For me, smelling all those bbqs, garlic wafting from an open window, and knowing that I'm out while others are eating, it is no fun at all. My prime time to run is 8 am, after I've had a good night sleep, been able to wake up, have a cup of coffee, and then get my shoes on. It's not too cold and it's not too hot, it's just a nice time to run. Plus, I like to say good morning to people while I'm running.

I run so that I can eat. I don't diet-- the thought of it makes me extremely grumpy, just ask those I might take it out on. Now, in extreme situations, I might cut out dessert-- and maybe wine, maybe-- for a while if I need to drop a couple of pounds, but in general, I like that I run enough to be able to eat delicious food. So, that requires a minimum mileage, and I'm not there yet. (However, still nursing, so have a little cushion.)

Anyway, that's a little about me, the runner. I hope to get out there again tomorrow... weather and life permitting, I will.