Running Sucks

Blisters - one of the reasons running sucks

I don't like running. Unfortunately it is excellent exercise so every so often I'll start running a couple miles a few times a week. That'll last about two months and then I'll stop running again.

So in a moment of weakness I signed up for a half marathon. I need to be less susceptible to peer pressure! Anyway I thought it would be something to keep me busy and in shape while Mike is away. I followed a training schedule to prepare for the race. It was 12 weeks long. A few weeks too long according to my usual running pattern :-)

During training I came to love a particular trail in Wittlich. Ali calls it the Magic Trail. Its a slight incline all the way up but at the half way point you get to turn around and its downhill!! So fantastic! It was especially helpful on our long runs. I ran 10 miles on this trail!

My Running Buddy

Stretching out

We get to run through old train tunnels

And over a bridge

View from the bridge

This weekend was the half marathon in Caen, France. Normandy was beautiful and so interesting but thats for a later post. The race sucked! Most of it was my attitude but I really don't like running - its not going to happen. So the first 4 miles I was complaining to myself how much it sucked. The rest of the time I was cursing everyone around me :-) But I finished (slowly) and I never have to do it again!!

Excellent cheerleaders! It was so awesome to see them at kilometer 20!

The racers. We all have Mario super powers :-)

Ibiza

So I've heard several people say that a deployment is like a roller coaster. Lots of ups and downs. The Friday I left for Ibiza was definitely a down. Our flight wasn't until the evening but I called in sick to work so I could pack, take Luna to the kennel, and run 9 miles. Basically I rationalized not going to school because I was going to be productive. Unfortunately my foul mood prevented that. And then I was in a worse mood because I wasn't being productive.

But Ibiza was definitely a high! I'm still riding that high :-)

It was great to see the sun, swim in the ocean, and hang out with some fun people.

We rented scooters and explored the island.

Went on a snorkeling expedition.

Laid around in the sun.

Ate some delicious food.

And danced until 5 in the morning without even realizing it.

It was nice to shake things up a bit and get out of my normal routine which was becoming depressing :-) Yay for great friends and cheap airline tickets!