10k?

On Monday I got into downloading app mode.  It started with syncing up my Nike Fuel band with it's app, and following a link to find the Nike Run app.  Then I was looking over the c25k app and the next thing was the 10k app.  So I downloaded that as well.

I ran on Tuesday and Thursday using my usual GPS app, and the Nike Run app.  I'm debating dropping the GPS app, because they basically do the same thing.  But, when the GPS app tells me I've run a mile, the Nike Run app will tell me I've run a  mile, and how long it took, and what my average mile per minute is.

From what I can tell they record the same information, so there really isn't any need to use both.  It's also pretty silly on the weekends to have three different apps running while I run.

Because the 10k training is around hour long runs, I can't do that on the weekdays.  Well, I guess I could, but I really don't want to wake up at 4:15 in the morning so I can be out the door by 4:30.  4:45 is already early enough.  I want that extra 30 minutes of sleep.  So, Saturdays are my long run days. Even though today it was run 10 minutes, walk 1 minute, repeat 4 times.  The weekdays I did not walk except to warm up and cool down.  Today I walked a little more then the app wanted, but I was okay with that.  I went 5 miles, so that's longer then I have gone all summer.

But now, the late summer bugs are emerging.  When I get back from my run, and I'm walking through our field, I am attached left and right.  I spend more time swatting bugs and trying to get home as quick as possible.  Today I was kicking myself because I was going to put bug spray on, and forgot.  They attached big time during my third walk cycle, I was worried about that, as there was a ditch on one side, and horses on the other.... horseflies...  Ugh.

As soon as I was running, I was running as fast as I dared to get away from the bugs.  It seemed to work.  The last half a mile I started walking about ten seconds before my app said to walk.  Then I just had to walk back home.  I had a little schnauzer dog came barking up to me.  Then it just followed me for a yard (most likely his yard) and left me along.

The mornings are getting darker and darker.  I listen to the Radio from Hell show on X96 out of Salt Lake City in the mornings (I stream it on my phone, as I am not even in the same state) and they have a segment called "Things that must go"  One thing that was read recently was runners without reflective clothing running in the dark.  And I realized, I'm one of them.  I didn't think about the fact that my running "jacket" didn't have anything like that on it.  The hoodie I was using does.  I'm going to have to find something reflective.  But, with the darkening mornings, I think I might end up joining a gym going into the fall so I can keep up running on a treadmill.  I was looking at buying one, but I'd like to see if I can keep it up first.  I know that running a treadmill is much different then on the road outside, so I want to give it a fair shot at the gym before I seriously think of purchasing one.