To Ocean's Run, or not to Ocean's Run: Week of 3-2 to 3-8

Well?  What to do, what to do...drums fingers on the table...I've run this the last two years, love the race, and I just haven't been able to commit to it this year for some reason.  Not sure why.  I still have time (like 3 days) to decide, or I could volunteer to flag or something...

Monday, 3-2 - 0 Miles.

Tuesday, 3-3 - 15 Miles - (Road) - 13.2 Mile Mystic Half Marathon jaunt, and 2 Mile dog jog.  I had a physical therapy session this morning, and we worked on stretching/strengthening exercises for my knee.  I dressed for a run in Mystic, and as I set out with no particular mindset, I found myself on a long, deserted road next to a local aquifer.  Didn't see a car for a couple of miles.  I felt pretty good, and knew that I was turning this into a longer run, but kept an easy, steady pace.  Got into Old Mystic and opted to hit the west side of the river, during which I encountered Charlie, one of the local postal dudes, whose mail truck was stuck in a snow bank.  Me and another guy dug some snow out, and rocked the truck back and forth until it was free.  Yes, I paused my Garmin!  Got into Mystic at about 10 miles, still felt good, so I added the extra 5k to make it a Half Marathon, and squeaked it in just under the 2 hour mark.  Good run.  Then got home and ran Henry for 2 miles.  Roads are so dirty now that I have to bathe him after every run!

Cool thing also happened this week:  I got a call from the parent of one of the girls whose soccer team I help coach, asking me if I could be her "running mentor," for the Girls on the Run program, leading up to a 5k race they run at the end of the 10 week training schedule.  Of course!!!  She's already a low 7 pace, so she'll do great at the race!

Wednesday, 3-4 - 3 Miles (Road) - Short Watch Hill run. - After my karate class, I had just enough time to squeeze in a short progression run in Watch Hill before picking up the dog at the groomers.  Overcast, rainy and windy, sloppy streets with lots of melting...and empty, very nice.  Stopped to pick up beer after the run, and chatted with the manager about the quality of the Finch's beers, notably the Fascist Pig Ale and the Hardcore Chimera Imperial IPA.  I was at the register paying when he walked up and handed me a Finch's pint glass...score!

I do love a good pint glass!

I've also decided to not run the Ocean's Half.  I was on the fence as of this morning, and Lori mentioned how nice it was that we didn't have anything planned for this Sunday.  Decision made.  Family day!

Thursday, 3-5 - 0 Miles. - Headed out the door with the dog for a run, and ran into my next door neighbor, who was headed out to walk her dog.  Decided to walk, let the dogs play, and take in the really nice snowy scene.

Friday, 3-6 - 8 Miles (Beach/Road) - Watch Hill Beach run/Dog jog.  Busy day!  Headed to WH at low tide, and did a good beach run, finished up with some slushy roads back to the car.  Went home and took the dog for a run, then quickly showered and headed to my PT appt., then immediately headed to the Mews Tavern for the WTAC Men's Super 5k victory party.  Great time with the small group that was able to make it!

Saturday, 3-7 - 0 Miles.  New computer day.  Should be fun transferring all the accumulated files, pictures and assorted crap off the old 'puter to the shiny new one...process ongoing as I type this.  Yuck.

Sunday, 3-8 - 6-ish Miles (Road) - Dog Jog/Weekapaug Run. - Ran the dog in the afternoon, then headed to Weekapaug for a few road miles in the small oceanside neighborhood.  Slushy, 44 degrees, breezy and quiet.