Better weather...

What a difference a week makes. I just finished a run along the Willamette River in crisp, sunny weather. Everyone was smiling and giving little nods of acknowledgement as if to say, "Yeah, I love this weather, too."

Last week I ran in the pouring rain and blistering winds, and biked in hail and pelting rain. Now, it wasn't miserable when I set out on these training legs, but turned nasty when I was about as far away from home as I could be. Grrr.

Or more like Brrr!I admit it.

I'm one of those fair weather sports gals. I like to ski in calm, sunny or overcast conditions. I prefer to swim outside when the temperature is 75+. I like to run when its not to cold or wet, not too hot or humid. I like to bike in still, mild weather. I'm no hardcore triathlete.

I like comfort.

But there's been nothing comfortable about training this spring. Blame it on La Nina or whatever, but its been a lousy season. Last year when I trained for a triathlon, it was much later in the year, and much nicer weather.

So after so many weeks of total discomfort, it is so inspiring to run in the sunshine.

I hope, hope, hope its like this next week for the Eugene Marathon. Not just for my own selfish comfort, but because I want all the visiting runners to enjoy their Eugene experience. I have friends coming down from Seattle to run, and if its hailing, I'll be a little embarrassed.

But, frankly, that comes with the territory. When you are reaching for a goal, you can't let a little rain, wind, sleet or hail get in your way. Because, as my husband like to remind me all the time, it could be just as miserable on race day.

Let's hope not.

Running while juggling

I don't literally juggle while I run. But sometimes, in fact, most of the time just to get out on the trial or on the treadmill is a huge juggling act.

We are all so busy. To train for a race takes dedication.

For some reason I'm finding it harder this spring to find time to train. Maybe its the 3 kids playing soccer, the full time job, the new dog, the photography hobby, the trip to Disneyland or the gashed knee that's getting in the way.

But frankly, that is par for the course. I'm always busy. There is always something. There is always a reason not to run (or swim or bike.)

So I have to remember why I'm doing this. (Why AM I doing this?) Partly because I said I would. Partly because I love the training when I finally get going. And mostly because I love finishing a race. I loved doing my first triathlon.

I also have to give myself a break. Last time I followed my training schedule religiously. This time I've missed, or been half-hearted about some of my training, especially the time consuming biking. But that's ok. It's not all or nothing. I need to just take it one day at a time. One run at a time.

So I'm trying to be my own cheerleader. Go Jen Go. Run, run. You can do it!

Right after I fold this last load of laundry....