running: the dawn

Holla!  I was able to get my run in on Sunday before the craziness ensued.  I am very proud/thankful that I was able to carve out the time and follow through.  9 miles @ 8:57 per mile.  I could not have done it alone….

I owe this small victory to:

Google Maps: Have you ever tried the “bicycle” feature on google maps?  It has become my favorite this summer.  I’ve been traveling a lot this summer and every time I’m in a new place I can just go online, punch in my address (wherever it is for that day/week) and check the “bicycle” box under the “more” drop down menu.  At first I wasn’t sure how to interpret all the different green lines that then appeared on my map but with a little practice I’ve figured them out.  Dark Green represents bike-only paths, Light Green is for bike lanes, dashed lines mean that they are bike-friendly roads, but without actual lanes for bikes.  I was able to find a bike path 1.5 miles from the hotel where we were staying.  I had no trouble at all getting there parking and getting to enjoy a new route.

Econo Lodge: We were supposed to check out at 11am.  I knew with the weekend being crazy and busy I would have to get up mighty early to get the run in and then have to time get wedding appropriate.  I stopped by the front desk and asked about a late check-out and they were so accommodating!  It was great to not be stressed out about the time while I was out on my run.  I could just focus on running strong and hitting my goal pace.  Also, it was nice to be able to stick around til noon since the wedding wasn’t until 2pm.  That way we didn’t have to wander the streets in our finery.

And my new favorite…

Eye Pillow: So, for a few weeks/months I’ve been dreaming of getting myself an eye pillow.  Ever since my last massage when the guy put it over my eyes while he worked on my shoulders and arms.  It was like heaven.  Something about the weight on my eyelids was so relaxing.  I finally found what I was looking for at Ulta.  It is subtly scented with lavender and chamomile and has a silk case.  The one flaw is that there is not a strap that secured it in place so you have to be lying on your back to enjoy it.  I knew that Mr. Dawn was going to be out late Saturday night with the rest of the groomsmen and groom, but I needed to make sure I was rested enough to get up early.  I just left one of the lights on, threw on the eye pillow, and fell right to sleep.  It was amazing!  I do think that I’m going to try to fashion some kind of velcro strap to it though….