Columbus Day Run, Sew and Shop Fest

What does a runDisney lover do when she is waiting to hear if she has made it to round two in the search for the next Disney Moms Panel runDisney specialist? Well I worked on a running dress costume, went shopping for some more costume fabric and of course went for a run. I am one of the lucky ones who had the day off from work and boy did make use of it!

This morning I stared working on my Alice in Wonderland costume! It will have a blue dress with a silver apron. We thought the silver would add a nice touch!

This is where I am so far! I will wear whatever base layers are appropriation for the weather. Long sleeve white shirt and shorts or tights depending on conditions.  The fabric is super stretchy so it will move well!

As for my run tonight...it was amazingly fall out there! The temps were in the mid 50s and fabulous! I ran in long pants and a long sleeve shirt. I was also wearing my secret agent safety straps. Every time I wear them I find myself singing "Secret runner girl" to the "Secret agent man" theme! They really do make me run faster, because they make me run happy and safe!

It is time to get out there and light up the night! I don't know how far away a driver (with their headlights on) can see me, but I am thinking I am pretty visible!

So that is some of what I did today between checking my email and chatting with other Moms Panel hopefuls! Tomorrow I am back to work and that will keep me plenty busy until late afternoon. Then bring on soccer for my youngest, dance for my oldest and the rest of life!

(My) Safety Vest Rules

There is a new fall/winter running season coming! Are you ready for night running? I had an old school panel vest that I just was not happy with.  I have run with it for 3-4 years and than was enough. This past winter I was seeing some reflective vests out there on the road that looked quite a bit better than mine! So I set out to find my next new piece of running gear. I was at REI looking for something else when I remembered my vest. What I found was exactly what I wanted!

My new Amphipod safety strap vest!

It is totally adjustable and I don't even feel it when I am running. The two waist and two shoulder straps are reflective as well and the front and back medallions. I feel confident that everyone out there on the road can see me and that lets me run strong! Tonight's run - 3 miles before sunset and 3 miles after. Get your safety on so you can get your run on!

A Mosquito Before the Storm

Like a mosquito before the storm...I was drawn to the road tonight.  All afternoon I have been hearing that the storm is coming, the storm is coming.  Well as of right now it has still not made it to us!

After a long day driving to Hartford, CT and back to pick up some materials for work I was exhausted.  So I did what I do best when I am worn out...I took a nap.  I woke up at 7:15 thinking well I guess I missed my chance to run tonight.  Around 7:45 my husband came home from his bike ride and I decided - why not?  Prest-o change-o and I was out for a run with my safety vest on.

I wore my white Princess Half shirt from 2011, my extra large Princess Half shirt.  I am proud to say that between 2011's race and 2012's I went from an XL to a M!  The baggy shirt was good for the hot night run this evening though.  It was another one of the full on sweat fests.  At first I thought I was going to have a decent breeze because of the income storm, but then it went dead calm.  In the end I went 6.5 miles and was so glad that I had gone out!

When was your last run that wasn't going to happen, but did in the end?  Next time you think about not going out, do it anyway!  You will feel twice as glad that you did!

Christmas Lights and Night Running - Thursday

Thursday night I went out for my run and I took my camera along again.  I ran the usual streets, but kept jogging off a block or two when the Christmas lights were calling.

Patio tree all lit up.  (I love red doors.)

Great use of the porch roof.  I love the tree on top!

So inviting!

There is even a toboggan sled leaning against the railing.

It was a little cold, otherwise I might have sat for a while.

One of my favorite local restaurants - Red Stripe.

One of Providence's historic homes.  It was built in 1896 - that's new for the east side.

Glow Santa

and blow up Penguins that light up!

Now for a few winter wonderland light-scapes.

2nd story Christmas tree

I can just imagine peeking children coming down the staircase.

My favorite Providence bakery.

Closing time and the end of my run for the night.  Merry Christmas!

Day into Night

Tonight I went out thinking that it would be a short run.  The light was fading and night was coming.  It was only 6:15, but I questioned how much longer the light would hold with the overcast sky.  At about 1 1/5 miles out it dawned on me (ha ha dawned on me) I could run the unlit bike path until the light was almost gone and then switch over to lit city streets for my return.  And so I did.  There is no night light coming from the sky out there.  Without street and car lights it is pitch black.  It was my first real night run of the season and it felt great!  So when night falls just keep running, but take care, it is the season for head lamps, glow sticks, and reflective vests.

Has anyone else gone for a night run yet?

When your running plan changes...

go with it and make the best of it!  This evening I headed out for a run of undetermined length.  I was one block from the house when my phone rang and I answered it.  It was a great friend who I have not talked to in way to long.  So we talked and I walked and walked and walked.  I was quite surprised that I had walked 4 miles when the conversation came to an end.  And what were we talking about?  Disney of course and other topics related to the start of a new school year.  Well after four hours of walking it was time to run.  I was still able to get in 5 miles of running despite the fading light.  I don't know if I start running faster as the light falls or if it just feels that way, but I felt great tonight.