It's been a good day

I have had my fair share of bad running days lately. It has been hot, hot, hot! Which in itself can make for a rough run. I have been going later at night to try and beat the heat, but it's still soooooooooo hot that I'm drenching in minutes. And I'm going to be totally honest here, the later I wait to run, the easier it is to not go. After work, the kids, the house, the hubby, I have a million reasons to call it a night and not go, but I go anyway.  I have also been having some body issues. Not body image issues. Body issues. My left ankle is pulling pretty hard and my right leg, from the ankle to the knee has been seizing up. The muscle gets so tight that it feels like it is going to snap. I'm not even going to talk about my sausage like fingers and swollen cankles. The heat is usually so good for my Lupus, but lately I just look like I'm the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. But today....today was a good day.

 I got to get up early and head out with my runHers ladies in Norman. I did 2.25 miles in 40 minutes. Not great, but better than it has been. I have been really frustrated with my running performances lately and my blessed friend, Drea, keeps reminding me that "It doesn't matter how fast you go, as long as you go". I know. Still I am ready for my body to stop fighting me and just do what it's supposed to (aka. what I want it to do). Still 2.25 is a start. After my run, I had just enought time to wash the stink off and head to Edmond to Redline Jiu Jitsu for a women's safety forum. Thanks to everyone who put it together. It was a really great experience. We heard a lot of useful tips, learned a lot of great techniques, and it was fun!  Like our instructors said, being aware is the first step. So thanks to RunHers, Sheila, Jennifer, Redline, Edmond PD, and everyone. I am proud to be apart of a group of women who want to be empowered. I am also proud to be a part of a community that cares enough about its members and their safety that they take the time to educate us and protect us.

Then......

My new friend Am (apparently, all my friends' names start with A, so just guess which one I'm talking about) told me about a sale at my favortie running store. I asked the hubby if we could mosey on down there and check it out(because he knows if I go, I will buy. EVERY TIME! So he tries to keep me reigned in for my own good)....and not only did he say yes (SHOCKER!) but he said that he wanted to get some new running shoes, so that he could start running with me. Not with me with me, but with me. Yippee! Like most things, I knew that if I just kept on him, I would eventually get my way. And I have been on him to start running with me for some time now. ; )

 So we got him some new shoes. He's partial to New Balance, while I, myself, am usually a Saucony girl. However, the guy made me try on a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 and... I have yet to take them off my feet. If they run even half as good as they feel then I have found my shoe soul mate. Just the icing on the cake is the fact that they are RED, WHITE, and BLUE! (insert chant of USA! USA! USA! here) I originally tried on a pair of bland looking pink ones. I was ready to buy those. I REALLY want to buy the really cute, brightly colored running shoes. However, most of those just don't offer the support I need for my feet. So I have learned that I can't ever buy running shoes based on how they look, but how they feel and are they going to help me finish. But then that beautiful, wonderful man said those 9 magic words, "Let me see what color choices we have available". Whaaaaaat?! I get a choice?! There were 3 choices: Pepto pink, Boring Blue, or Oh, Say Can You See-Olympic Edition TangoRed, White, & Blue. Was there ever really a choice?! uh, no. Not to mention that my two toughest critics immediately lent their support to the cause by screaming, "Blue & Red, Blue & Red! Like the Lympits" (aka the Olympics).

They are already enjoying their new home. I may even try to sneak in a late run tonight, just to welcome them properly. : ) I'm hoping that my legs will start screaming USA! with every stride instead of their usual, We hate you.

So today.... today was a good day.

Peace, Love, and Lympits! Go USA!