Birthday Run

Yesterday I celebrated my 32nd birthday.  I had to work this weekend, so I decided Friday would be the day for my birthday celebration run.  I had been looking forward to a nice, easy run all week.  Unfortunately my cold had other plans.  Regardless, I slept in until about 7:45am and headed out for an 8 mile run.  Since I wasn't feeling fantastic, I thought I'd run the same route as my last 8 mile autopilot run.  I was hoping to have the same experience, but it didn't quite happen.  I noticed every single little incline in my legs and my lungs were huffing and puffing to keep up!  I'm ashamed to admit that I actually had to stop and walk a few minutes towards the end.  I just didn't have it in me.  Luckily hubby had taken the day off and was decidedly in charge of the kids for the day.  I came home, showered and crawled into bed....and remained there until it was time to get ready for my family birthday party at 4:45pm!  Hubby and the kids even brought me my lunch in bed.  It was fantastic and I felt 100% better by the end of the day.

As for my birthday gifts, hubby didn't disappoint!  I had requested some running items and that's exactly what I got.  Last winter I bought a good jacket and some tops to run in.  This year I requested some nice, warm pants and a vest for the spring/fall.  I had to do some exchanging, but I ended up with:

This vest from LOLE


These Saucony ViperLite XPT pants

This Saucony neck warmer....for those chiiiiiilly days in Ohio


More of my favorite socks (for summer)....Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Micro

and

New Pearl Izumi gloves, to replace mine that had ripped.

I love new running gear....gives me that extra motivation to get out of bed in the morning.  I have no excuse now, not to get out there and get my runs in!   Hopefully this week I can get over my cold and get back to enjoyable running!