A Weekend of Running

As I mentioned on Friday, I had plans to attempt a “mock” Glass Slipper Challenge run this weekend. I had no intentions of running the longest distance (6mi/12mi) I usually do when training for a challenge (mainly because I just ran two back to back half marathons a few weeks ago). Instead, I decided to break it down into a 4mi/8mi trial run. Well, plans don’t always work out the way we want them to…I had to be at work very early on Friday morning, then I got off work later than expected, followed by an early event that evening.

Instead, I decided to attempt the trial run backwards. Would my plan even be effective? I had no idea. All I know is, I had a ton of fun while doing it! That’s really all that matters in the end, right?

I woke up on Saturday morning to temps that were prefect for running! Cool, clear, and crisp – my favorite kind of day!

Saturday’s route took us around the other side of the lake and one I haven’t run in a long time. The lake was so calm, it looked like glass. The sunrise was beautiful to see as well!

In total, I completed 8 miles – a pain in my left foot caused me to slow down during the last two miles, but I finished it!

Also, I purchased the Sweaty Band I wore for Saturday’s run at the Louisiana Marathon Expo. It’s almost Valentines Day, y’all! :D

On Sunday, I had a meeting with Kenzie regarding an upcoming local 5K (which is going to be so much fun to plan)! After the meeting, I asked if she was busy – she said no so I asked her if she wanted to run with me! She’s recently returned to running and is using the Jeff Galloway run/walk/run method! 

(Notice the difference between the outfits of Saturday and Sunday’s runs? Cold one day and incredibly hot the next. Welcome to the South!  hah!)

For a change of scenery, we decided to hit up the local state park and run a few trails. I was scared about the evenness, tree roots, etc along the trails but I had nothing to worry about! The ground was soft and acted as a cushion beneath our feet – we had a blast!

Early afternoon, almost sundown time!

The lake ran along the side of the trail which led for gorgeous views!

We might have been scared a few times by things moving in the woods…but we made it out alive. We kinda felt like we were in the Hunger Games. Yes, we went there. #MayTheOddsBeEverInYourFavor

We emerged from the trails and finished off our journey back at my car. In total, we ran/walked 4.5 miles! It was the perfect time of day, the sunset was gorgeous, and we had a lot of fun, laughing and talking the entire way!

Running with a friend is always more enjoyable and really helps the time go by much quicker!  I also liked the fact that I started off my weekend watching the sunrise on Saturday morning and ended it with the sunset on Sunday afternoon. 

Have you ever run on trails? Are you an early morning or late afternoon runner?