Blisters and pressure

There's two things that are pretty much guaranteed to make me cranky: bad workouts and being hungry.

Both of them are a factor in my mood tonight- which really sucks because it was a gorgeous day in Seattle! I could easily solve one by going downstairs and snacking on something in the fridge- except there's nothing to eat down there!

So, instead, I'll get this off my chest, grab my shoes and head to a friend's house and maybe grab something on the way.

I've been having workouts that haven't been up to my own expectations recently. I know I ran a marathon just 19 days ago- so taking some time off is necessary. Especially to heal the large blood filled blister on my middle right toe. Which has now opened up and has exposed several layers of skin. Eww. But, this week, I started running again, just a couple miles. Last night, I had to cut it short due to a blister forming on the ball of my right foot (what's up with the right side of my body??? Shin, knee, foot, neck...)

The problem is that I tend to have high pretty high expectations for myself. And, the people I see most in the gym are males- so I can't compare myself to that. But, it's difficult to be on the treadmill next to them sweating like a pig and in pain and they're just gliding along and at a faster speed. It's even worse when they start asking me questions and for advice because they're newer to running and know I've done several types of events and distances. I mean, it's awesome that they trust and respect my opinion and want to hear about my experiences, but sometimes, when it's going rough, I just want to put my head down and slog through. I love these guys though and it's much easier to get my butt to the gym knowing they'll be there. And they do tell me quite a bit how cool/awesome/inspiring my stories are to them... which always makes me blush a little, but deep down it makes me feel really good- at least when it's inspiring. In fact two people I work with just registered for the Seattle Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon, which neither would have done without me- I actually filled out the entry form for one. :)

I need to remind myself that everyone has bad days, from novices to elites and it's nothing to dwell on! So now, I'm going to find something delicious to eat and go hang out with some fun friends.

Run hard!