No Pain, No Gain.

Not too much pain, but I did cut back a little today, as I'm noticing some tightness in the legs. So, instead of doing my planned 5 min run and 2 min walk, I added a minute more recovery time in the walk. It helped, and I think I will continue that interval for a while. Today was another amazingly warm and sunny day - perfect for a gentle run. Along the way, I made friends with the new horses at the Pack stable just down my road. I asked if I could return with my camera to photograph them, and got the owner's consent. I wanted to get some photos of them in the field playing, but they were so curious that they came into the corral to say 'hello'. These photos are especially for my virtual running mate, Pat. We don't get the chance to run together, but have the goal, along with our running buddy, Jane, of doing a 1/2 marathon in 2011. Pat is a horse-lover and has two of her own. I think she will like these photos.

Running and Cycling

Suddenly, today was the day that I actually got out the door and started running again. It's been many months - too many - but I had a sunny, warm day to look forward to. Most of my art-related tasks are completed, at least for a day or two, so I had no excuses for not putting on my sneakers and heading down the road. The big motivation was the decision, in writing, that 2 running buddies and I made last night to do a half marathon (Run for the Cure) in Sept. 2011. Now that may seem a long way off for some folks to take seriously, but when 3 crones decide to take on the challenge, we need all the time we can get. It didn't take long for the endorphins to kick in today, and it felt mighty good. Even though I only did 1/2 hour at 5 min. run X 2 min walk intervals, it's a start. I think I will stick with that interval for a month. After having neglected the body for many months, I don't want to take any chances at doing damage. It took all my concentration to miss the potholes and uneven road and not turn an ankle - that's what age does to you: caution rules! So, assessing the body tonight, I feel a slight stiffness in the legs, but nothing too bothersome. It will be interesting to see how well I sleep tonight. I've been complaining of insomnia for months.
If you're thinking of getting back to, or starting running, the time is now. All we have to do is step outside the door and just.....run.

Cycling in France, 2007

This blog will be for posting cycling and running adventures. I'll continue the France 2007 story here:

Back to July3, 2007.

We are in Limoges, France, and after an afternoon visiting the crypt of Saint Marital which extends for a great distance underneath the main square, we went for a quick dinner at an Asian restaurant. Finished just in time to head over to the Eglise St. Michel for a free choral concert. Hearing Mozart, Bach and other great composers sung by a mixed choir in a beautiful cathedral is a special moment for me. The local choir of young people and older folks was joined by a visiting choir from Liege. When they sang together it was magic.