How do I NOT qualify?

If you've ever thumbed through an issue of Runner's World

you've probably come across an advertisement for

Pearl Izumi running shoes.  The premise of their ad campaign

is based upon separating

the "real runners" from the rest of the "pack".

One of their advertisements is about how to tell if you are

a runner or a jogger.  The long litany of examples of

"non-runners" includes this description:

"...if your workout is conducted at the helm of

some tricked out baby jogger..."

Um, excuse me?

Now, don't get me wrong,  I don't consider myself some super athlete.

I admire Ryan Hall and Denna Kastor.

I know I could never even think of making a living running.

But would someone please explain to me how

pushing my double running stroller

up a 9% grade

in the pouring rain

whilst maintaining a respectable 7:45/mile pace

somehow disqualifies me from the ranks of being

"a runner"?

"Hilly-er"

Hills are so much "hilly-er" when...

when you're pushin' 55 pounds worth of kids.

I took this picture on a run the day before my

30th birthday.  Not a bad place to be at this

point in my life.  I wouldn't change a thing.

So right

I mentioned yesterday that I was having some pain in my left leg.

I did what I said I'd do and I stretched.

And Oh My Gosh.

Yep, my left side is a little tight.

When I did the stretch illustrated above

called pigeon pose, it was very evident.

On my right side I could easily extend the pose fully.

On my left side, well let's just say I could hardly get into the pose.

So thanks to Erin I'm going to take the time to stretch regularly.  I think I've averted an injury.

A personal trainer

Just a reminder...to you and me...stretch.

For a week now, I've been having some pain in my left leg; my hip, my knee, my ankle.

I mentioned it in passing to my sister-in-law tonight.
Erin is a personal trainer who knows the name of every muscle, tendon, ligament and bone in the body.
She's also run a 120 mile race, twice.  She's my "go to" on all things running.

Erin says: stretch your hamstrings.
They may not feel tight, but chances are one leg is tighter than the other and it's causing one leg to work harder than the other.

So I swam today and I'm gonna ride the stationary bike tomorrow and I'm gonna stretch.  Hopefully I'll be feelin' much better, very soon.

This morning's run

This morning's run was beautiful.
I just poured a cup a coffee that taste a little bit like white vinegar, though. Must not have rinsed out the coffee pot well enough after having cleaned it yesterday! Have a great day.