bzzzzzz...

Decided to head over to the local state park to get my 4 miles in tonight and had a great run, despite the fact that I was kind of dreading it. It was absolutely gorgeous out, totally perfect weather.

I was so distracted by the volleyball net that I saw set up that I a) forgot to strap on my iPod, and b) didn't realize that the entire path was shady. So, when I started running into the woods I couldn't see a thing because I had my sunglasses on. Then I realized I had forgotten my iPod, but it was too late to turn back so I had to run without music and with my sunglasses bobbing up and down on top of my head. about 1/4 mile in I suddenly had to pee so I headed off my intended path a ways to where I knew there was a pit toilet. Not until I had already locked the door did I realize that there were 3 wasps nests in this particular shack. wonderful. I made it out unstung, luckily, but I wonder why the people who tidy up the toilets (yes, they have to be cleaned by staff, this thing was immaculate) don't do something about these pests.

Anyways, I continued on and felt great pretty much the entire run. I went pretty hard, but I think my Forerunner was a little off, because it said I was doing 8:36 miles. not likely. I was also running through a forest, so I'm 98% positive some of that speed is due to inacuracy on the forerunner's part (the gps loses signal in heavy tree coverage). Also, it said I ended up with 4.67 miles, and I know that has to be off... it was probably more like 4.25 or so, based on previous runs in the same park.

so overall a good run. The terrain is pretty hilly and had me working hard, and the other runners out also gave me incentive to push a little harder. I always wonder if I look like a "real" runner to other people who run, you know what I mean? I am always ultra cognizant of my form and pace when other, more "advanced" looking runners are around. It's kind of funny.

on a totally unrelated note, I have discovered another completely and totally addicting food item this evening. I bought a can of wasabi and soy covered almonds (blue diamond brand, if you're interested) and holy crap are they good. mmm...wasabi... I ate a ridiculously large amount of them BEFORE dinner tonight. that's not good. at least they're considered "healthy", right?