Spring makes me Misbehave

The Illinois Half-Marathon is 37 days away.  After seven weeks of diligent training according to the plan, I've been naughty this week.  No worries, I'm still running, but this gorgeous spring weather makes me want to run... not train, just run!

Monday was suppose to be rest (at the very most cross-train) after Sunday's race.  Instead... I ran 3 miles.  Seriously, it was 70 degrees at four o'clock.  You can't tempt me like that!  Tuesday I got caught up with my job responsibilities (see my wedding business HERE), and completely slacked on the run front.

This morning I woke up to a beautiful sunrise.  The air smelled so fresh from the overnight rain, and the sun was warm on the skin.  They are forecasting snow this weekend, so I knew this might be our last day in the 60's for awhile.  Yup, I skipped spinning class.  Little Girl and I packed up the stroller and headed to the park.

Me & Little Girl

When you take a two year old on a 6 mile run, there are a couple things you need to know...
1.  Pack snacks.  And don't forget her water bottle.

Even a 2yr old need mid-run fuel!

2.  Pick a safe route/trail that keeps the little one entertained.  Today we ran the Pekin trail... Started and ended with a couple loops around the lagoon.  She yelled at every duck and goose we passed, "Beep-beep, duckie!"  Then we hit the wide paved trail, where she waved to all the elderly walkers (retirement home near by).

3.  Explain the reward system before the run starts.  I park next to the big playground.  If she's a "good girl" during mommy's run, she gets to play afterward.  She understood that... and play we did for nearly an hour after the run.

4.  Get a good jogging stroller.  Pushing 70+ pounds for six miles is no easy task.  The trail is fairly flat, but there are a couple nice hills that I challenged myself with today.  Last year, I bought a new double jogging stroller (HERE), and have never regretted it.  The big wheels turn on a dime and almost roll by themselves.  The front wheel can easily lock or swivel depending on your surface and/or speed.  Most importantly, it gives me the freedom to get outside and enjoy the day without trying to lineup child care.  Plus, I love having the company along for the ride!

TOTAL:  6.1 miles in 62 minutes.  
That's a 10:09 pace with the stroller!  Holy crap, I'll take that! 

Do you ever run with a jogging stroller?

Today's 6 miles is the longest I've run with the stroller.  I'm so much stronger this year than last!  I enjoy stroller runs, but not every day.  However, the jogging stroller makes it possible for us to do family runs and/or get my runs in during the day so we can have family time at night.

Do you ever deviate from the training plan?  Do you feel guilty about it?

I used to freak out a bit when I deviated from the plan, but I've eased up as I've grown more confident with my running.  To me, the bottom line is to enjoy running - it's the only way to make it a lifestyle for me.

P.S. I wore a short-sleeve shirt today and NO UNDERARM CHAFING, thanks to 2Toms SportShield. Don't forget to enter my current giveaway to score yourself a free sample of it!