WordPerv

Today I ran 10 miles. I was hoping to have pushed past this by now, but given my recent back spasms (which you can read all about here: http://wordperv.wordpress.com/2007/08/12/fashion-statement-hospital-bracelet/) I had to take a week and a half off training and then build back up to 10 miles (read about my first 10-mile run here: http://wordperv.wordpress.com/2007/08/05/262-miles/). So here I am again.

Today is supposed to be nasty hot – the heat index is to hit 110, so I started my run fairly early, at 6:40am. Even at this hour it was warm and the air was thick, so I knew my run would not be easy. And I was right. My legs felt heavy, and it felt like I was running at a much slower pace than I usually do.

Around Mile 3 I began to get an endorphin-kick, which helped a little bit, but didn’t last nearly long enough. The funny thing is, even on days like today, when my run feels difficult and I don’t feel smooth, I still enjoy running. When I told my friend Wendy I was planning on running a marathon she said she wasn’t surprised because when we met in the 8th grade I told her I wanted to run in the Olympics one day. Obviously that will never happen, because I’m simply not that good of a runner, but back then I used to really love running. In high school, when I ran cross country I ran 10 miles a day. And loved it. Now I feel that love coming back and so after the marathon I think I may actually continue running (just not to the level I’m training at now.) I run alone mostly, and don’t wear an iPod while running – I prefer to sing songs in my head, usually it’s the last song I hear on the radio before running – today it was Paralyzer by Finger Eleven.

Surprisingly I finished my run right on pace today, even though it felt like it took much longer than the last time I ran 10 miles. It felt great. Time to push past 10 miles…

When we bought our house 2 years ago there was a lot we wanted to do. Slowly, but surely we’re getting around to doing all those projects Our most recent makeover was our front door. Here’s what it used to look like:

And here’s what the front of the house looked like:

And while it didn’t look especially bad, it certainly didn’t look good either. Worse, it didn’t seal, so in the winter we could feel the cold draft seeping in, and in the summer the heat and humidity came through. As if our electric bill isn’t high enough!! But with our shiny new door we won’t have to worry about that anymore! Not only does it seal, we don’t even have to slam it for it to shut! Who knew this was even possible?! And it’s awfully pretty too:

And the full frontal shot:

Now of course the new door does a good job of highlighting the fact that we need to paint all the trim on the house and paint the shutters to match our shiny, red door. That, my dear friends, is exactly what we plan to do… Just as soon as we return from our Parisian vacation!!