Is it Okay to Run in a Cemetery?

This morning was cool and foggy. It was great for running, and I logged just over 5 miles before work. I ran near in the area around a local college and spent some time running through this beautiful old cemetary.

I ran through here very early last week, someone was driving through for a visit. Even though I only ran on the path, I almost felt that I was intruding on them. 

Today there was another runner in the cemetary and no cars, so I enjoyed it alot more. After all, "Life for the Living" and the folks buried here might be happy to have the company, right?  Of course, if there was funeral in progress I would not intrude.

When I got back, I googled this question of whether it's appropriate to run in a cemetery. I was a bit surprised by how much has been written from both sides of this issue.

There was one famous marathon runner, Ed Whitlock, who ran a 2.5 hour marathon in his 70s, who did all of his training in a cemetery near his house. I can guess what his feelings on the issue would have been!

Do you run in cemeteries? Are there other "controversial" places where you consider training?

Follow my journey at www.Run2BeHappy.blogspot.com!!

Speedy Hill Training for the 2013 Bele Chere 5k and Dogs, Dogs Everywhere!

Today I am working from home. We live in the mountains, so when I run here, it's always hill training.

In about a month, I will be running in the Bele Chere 5k here in Asheville. Bele Chere is an annual street festival that draws many thousands of people to our area.  

I prefer long slow pace runs. Those runs make me happy and help me leave my troubles behind.  I know I need to do some speed training though, if I want to beat my time in the Bele Chere 5k last year, which was my first race ever. I ran it at 30 minutes exactly.  

This morning I ran 2 miles at just under a 10 minute pace with a 400 ft elevation change. Not great if I want to beat my time from last year.

This husky ran home with me this morning. Not sure where she came from but she's very sweet. I put a note on FB so hopefully someone will come get her. I think she heard we are having a doggie slumber party and wanted to join in the fun.

My sister is in Nashville this week, so we are dog sitting for her.  Add those to our three, and this place has gone to the dogs. LITERALLY!

Trying to start work and this little cutie, Rue, wants more attention. I believe she gets to do whatever she wants at her house... We do not let dogs get on the table!! Holy cow.

 

How was your run today? Do you prefer long slow runs or shorter speed training?

Go get your sweat on!

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Tuesday Run Not So Happy

Today started out much better than yesterday. I remembered my ipod and my water, and also charged my Garmin last night.  I had my normal pre-run breakfast of a banana in the car on the way to work. I think I mentioned yesterday that my shortest commute is about 90 minutes each way.

I made it to my destination by 6:30 AM, so I felt I could get a nice long run in without feeling stressed for time.  I ran in a neighborhood near the Y that is unfamiliar to me. I am "directionally challenged", and I am always worried that I will get lost. I have to keep telling myself that if that happens, surely I will keep running till I find a familiar street. 

Almost everytime I run, some part of my legs does not want to function for the first couple of miles. After getting those two miles down, it becomes much more fun and I feel like I could run for hours. 

Today things did not go as planned. After about a mile I came upon (or rather they came upon me) two small dogs that were very upset that I was on their street and would not leave me alone. They were barking like crazy!  They were some sort of Chihuahua/Terrier mix, but they were bigger than a normal Chihuahua. Even small dogs with teeth snarling can be a bit intimidating. I threw a stick at them and yelled for them to go home. As I kept running, they finally gave up.


At 1.88 miles (exactly :)), I got extremely weak and felt that I wanted to give up right there.  I cannot remember the last time that has happened. I was almost shaking. Fortunately I was able to keep running at a slow pace of about 11 minutes and made it back to the Y with a total of 3.2 miles.  I quickly ate a protein bar and then did some weight training and floor exercises.

To top off my great experience this morning, there was no hot water in the showers at the Y.  On the plus side, my speedy cold shower helped me get to work more timely...

I am not sure what caused the craziness this morning. I had a normal dinner last night and got plenty of sleep. I normally can go for at least an hour before eating anything after a run.  I ran a 10k race a few weeks ago and didn't eat anything for a couple of hours. 

At least there's always tomorrow to try it again. I'm trying to keep my chin up as I eat my third breakfast of yogurt, fresh strawberries and Bob's Red Mill Meusli (the best thing ever to add to yogurt btw). 

I am proud to say that my DH, Jerry, is now motivated to run as well.  He completed just over 3 miles on the treadmill this morning! Go Jerry!

How did your run go today? Have you ever had a similar experience?

Thanks for reading! Follow my journey at www.Run2BeHappy.blogspot.com or Run2BeHappy on the Bloglovin' app for iphone users!

A Crazy Monday ~ a Nice Run Makes it Better

Today is my first day back to work after vacation. I work all over S.C., and today I'm about 90 minutes from home. I normally drive to where I'm working for the day, get my run on and then get ready for work at the Y.

We got home last night, and I thought I had everything packed for today. When I got to the Y, I realized I left my water bottle and my ipod at home, and my Garmin battery was dead!

I prefer to run with music and was bummed. My new iPhone for work doesn't have any music on it, but I came up with the idea to download iheart radio, which worked out well!

I ran on an unfamiliar trail and saw some beautiful things. I rarely carry a phone while running, but got some great shots this AM!

Since my Garmin wasn't working, I'm not sure how far I ran. I was out for just over an hour, so I think it was about 6 miles.

No matter how crazy your Monday has been so far, go get your run in! It makes everything better.

Follow my journey at www.Run2BeHappy.blogspot.com!

Thankful that Gray Nail Polish is in Style

Three weeks ago I ran my first 10k! It was a wonderful experience, and I was full of adrenaline for hours. After the initial happy juice ran out, I realized I had a very black toenail and it throbbed until at least the next day.

Since it's summer, I had to make my toenails as cute as possible given the black nail :)  I painted them with this beautiful gray Revlon nail polish.

I've gotten a bit bored with that color and so I tried to pain them pink this morning. Pink over black does not work, unfortunately, and so I'm back to the beautiful gray for at least several more weeks. The effects of running that guys just don't understand!!

Have a great day!

Follow my journey on www.Run2BeHappy.blogspot.com!

#halfmarathon #running

Hills Anyone??

 

I mentioned yesterday that we are on vacation at the lake. I am running on unfamiliar roads, but they all seem to be hilly.

Oh my stars! Today I came upon this hill but I didn't let it beat me.

 

 

This picture does not do this hill justice. It was crazy. Right as I started up, the Miley Cyrus song "The Climb" came on my shuffle. How appropriate. Silly song from not my favorite artist, but it did the trick.

 

Here is a sign that made me laugh on the run this morning. There is absolutely no traffic in this gated-community, ever!

 

 

 

Now we're off to enjoy the sunshine and kayak a bit! Have a great day and be sure to get your sweat on!

 

 

Follow my journey at www.Run2BeHappy.blogspot.com!

 

 

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