I have been really struggling getting miles in since my little man is attached to my hip really loves his momma. So as of late, Wednesday night has become “Run Night” with Susan D. and whoever else is willing to brave the elements and/or can get out of work at a decent time. This week, I not only managed to get out of work on time but a few minutes early and was able to grab a few miles in the fading daylight before the girls arrived.
I didn’t have as much time as I wanted to get in a leisurely 4 miles, plus photos, so I pushed a little harder than I would have liked in order to get back by 5pm. Here are a few photos that I managed to grab in the fading daylight. 
I know everyone likes a nice sunset complete with power lines.
This is why a run…..quiet, peaceful and revitalizing. The beauty around me when I am able to get to the trail is sometimes overwhelming.
The sunset was almost complete and the light was so low, it was difficult to get this last shot but after a couple tries I got lucky. Now time to book it back to Frankfort to meet the ladies!
Susan D. was waiting when I returned at 4:59 and it was pitch black.
We grabbed our knuckle lights/arm bands and awaited the arrival of Suzanne then literally dashed off into the darkness for the fastest nighttime run in which I have ever participated. The ladies dragged me pushed my limits today between the darkness, the previous 4 miles ran and my overall state of health. By the time we finished, I wanted to give my running shoes to the nearest homeless person take a long hot bath and curl up with my Weimaraner but alas I had to re-enter mommy-land reality.
Reality hit hard too as soon as I walked thru the door. Michael screamed with delight and the screaming didn’t stop until well after when bedtime “should” have occurred. Here is a quick glance into my reality…..no time for changing clothes or showering, which is why women’s running clothes are now somewhat fashionable cuz we LIVE in them.
That’s Michael, yes he is screaming, yes he is a blur……he doesn’t stop moving, not even when he sleeps. Don’t turn your back, he will climb onto the counter and go straight for the knife rack. Don’t use the oven because he will open it when you turn around to grab a plate. Don’t go to the bathroom cuz he will pull a chair over to the sink and start spraying down the walls, kitchen, hall, and living room. Don’t…..just DON’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF HIM for a second or be prepared for the consequences.
The numbers: 4.03 miles in 37:15 minutes (9:13 pace) solo, multiple photo stops but pretty much kept moving because I didn’t have a lot of time. 6.13 miles with Suzanne & Susan, 57:28 minutes (9:21) pace, one decent stop at the turnaround to shed jackets, etc. A total for me of 10.16 miles/1:34.43 and an average pace of 9:19. I like to run 10 miles right at 1:30 so I know I’m not myself cuz this pace kicked my ass was a killer…..like I’m still wearing my compression calf sleeves today! However, I really can’t complain for a Wednesday night. Thanks, ladies!
We did stop for one photo of Suzanne and I in the dark after the run. The bathrooms were locked so we didn’t get any disgusting bathroom shots in good lightening….Yes, I look like a giant standing next to Suzanne!
It was about 40 degrees when I started running at 4:22pm, and it was 33 when I got back into my car at 6:15pm. Not a huge drop but I could certainly tell the difference. Gloves were a necessity last night. The difference between 30 and 40 makes a big difference to your hands.
How do you squeeze in weekly mileage? Do you hit the gym, brave the elements or save the running for the weekends?
Happy Running, Amanda – TooTallFritz amanda@tootallfritz.com

























































