My bias against coupling bad weather and exercise has shown through quite clearly this week, which I’m choosing to view as compensation for the miserable weather for outdoor exercise last week. Daytime temperatures have ranged between 50-70-degrees Fahrenheit. We had one day of thunderstorms and high wind, but otherwise a gorgeous week. This has inspired me to get out and spend more time running, which has been most excellent.
A pleasant surprise in my run
I’ve had some rather fun things happen this week. I’ve mentioned that I’m excited about getting started with warm weather fitness activities, and yesterday, I got my wish. I went for a lunch time run and saw, of all things, a coyote! Coyotes are usually nocturnal animals, so its rare to see them out during daylight hours. My lunch time running route is a side road that goes through the middle of a farmer’s field, so its not surprising to see one there. Just at that time of day.
Although excited by the opportunity to see such a shy creature, I was also very frustrated. Some of the gorgeous photos over at Andrew Is Getting Fit have prompted me to start carrying my cell phone with me during my runs, on the off-chance that I’ll get just such an opportunity. I can’t take great pics with it, but they’re better than nothing. Wouldn’t you know it? After two weeks of carrying my camera religiously, I left it on my desk. To make matters worse, this beautiful creature ran parallel to me for about a half-mile, then crossed the road in front of me, and ran into the opposite field. He was less than 200 yards away. It would have made a beautiful photo!
In other news, it’s time to do a weigh-in. Today I came in at a 3-month low of 189.0 pounds. I weigh myself almost every day, but am terrible about the record-keeping. I do recall, however, that it’s been a long time since I saw a number below 190.5 pounds. I’m attributing this to having spent more time on the pavement this week. I also managed to eek a 5K run down to a 7:56-mile pace, although I can’t take full credit for the feat. I hadn’t planned on running that fast. My former running partner can no longer run, yet he still serves as an inspiration for exercise and fitness. He has now taken up cycling for exercise. Today he wanted to chat, so he decided to ride along beside me while I ran. I enjoyed the company, but I was pushed! He, however, didn’t even break a sweat. Needless to say, I didn’t do much talking, but it was still nice to have a partner.
Happy V-Day
In other news, my wife and I are trying to find a babysitter. Our first “date” was 11 years ago on her birthday. We went to a music club to listen to a live jazz band. The rest is history. Yesterday, we discovered that band was going to be playing locally, so we’re hoping to score a babysitter to go out and re-live the experience. Romantic?
Overall, it has been a good week. Did you manage to achieve your goals, or did you leave something on the table? What are your plans for your Valentine?
How frustrating about the coyote!
It is indeed a universal law that having a camera, no matter how well concealed, will generally scare off anything you’d want to photograph. It’s only when you leave it at home that wildlife will come out and play.
Maybe next time!
Hah! Alleged coyote. No pics no kudos.
A couple years ago, I bought a big expensive camera. Love it! When I started running, I realized that it wasn’t feasible to carry such a big bulky thing around. I love snapping pics on the run and I think I’m going to blow another couple hundred on one of those small, sleek cameras that will fit in my pocket.
You are quite the speedster. I could only wish that I was that fast.
I need one of those small cameras. I could only wish that I was usually that fast. I’m usually good for a 8:45-9:15 pace on a good day. That was a freak accident, induced by the fact that I was chasing a guy on a bicycle… So totally not fair.
Maybe I’m just too much of a city boy, but I’d be freaked out about a coyote. Especially if he started to run alongside me.
The phrase “Pictures or it didn’t happen” comes to mind.
But I believe you!
LOL if I saw a coyote I would run the other way! I would highly recommend carrying a tiny camera with you as there always seems to be something interesting to photograph outside. Like you I am looking forward to more fair weather exercise (it’s still 30 degrees here!). Keep up the great work on your blog!