Run #3: (not so) Long Run

I really shouldn't even classify today's run as a "long run" since it was only 4 miles, but it falls on the scheduled "long run" day so I just figure why not get used to planning for my "long runs"?  Thank goodness it was only 4 miles because my planning would not have worked for anything longer: gorging myself on a giant muffaletta while downing beer after beer as the Texans beat the Bengals is not my typical plan for the day before a long run.  It was a good reminder that I need to be nice to my body and give it good things to eat and drink in order to perform and be happy about it.

One thing I realized today is that I really, really love running with my iPhone.  Of course I can use iTunes to play music.  But wait, there's sooo much more!  Since I don't have much space for a lot of songs my personal music mix is actually pretty disappointing.  No problem, I can just open up Pandora, switch on the "Pop Fitness" workout station, and jam nonstop to rockin' tunes.  I left my big Garmin beam-me-up-scotty running watch in Shanghai, but again, no problem!  I open up GPS Tracker, check the setting for auto updates, and the nice lady tells me every five minutes how long I've run, how far I've gone, and my average pace.  Awesome!  And if I happen to see something interesting, quirky, or downright shocking I can snap a quick pic and be on my way.  Naturally I could also check in at every intersection on FourSquare, or post random musings on Facebook, or Tweet about my every little pinch or pain, but that's just a bit ridiculous.  (Oh, and I guess if someone called me I could answer, but that never happens!)

Speaking of photos, here's a sign from a yard in the neighborhood.  You might wonder, what's so special about that roofing/painting/remodeling company's sign in the yard; you see those all the time.  Look closely... it's for home birthing!!  OK, yay, but really, eww!

The Fine Print

Date:  1/6/13  Time:  10:30 am    Location:  Houston, TX

Time:  40:59   Distance:  4 mi    Pace:  10:15 

Music:  Pandora station "Pop Fitness"