First five miler in a while

Ran the first five mile run I've done in a while this morning. It went well - I powered up a few hills and got my heartrate up, but most of it was at a steady pace. My new running buddy is still trying to pick up speed. She's doing great! And I think we will be faster once it cools off some. You know, in October.

I have to admit, I think I've enjoyed being a mentor. Up until now I've been the mentee (or at least I have allowed myself to remain in that role.) But it does make me a bit nervous. I hope I am giving good advice and not leading her astray or being too big-sisterly. Sometimes I fall into that trap all too easily.

I've noticed lately that some of my running clothes, especially the tops, are not coming clean anymore. The sweat smell seems to be trapped in the shirt. I wonder if this is a failure on my part to wash them appropriately - with no fabric softener - or if they just have a shelf life. It does seem to be the older ones, some of which I've had for at least two years. For the record, my favorite clothes are Mizunos, with New Balance a close second. The Mizuno gear seems to fit me really well, I like the cuts and the colors, and they tend to HAVE POCKETS. Note to fitness wear designers: include pockets in women's wear, too, not just men's. Both the New Balance and Mizuno shorts are so soft and comfy to wear, and they dry very quickly. If only the tops didn't snag so easily...

I'm getting to the point of no return for next year. I need to register for the first few halves to make sure I get in and I'm starting to wonder if I can do this. Will my feet hold up? Will I get tired of it or bored? I'm nervous.

Finally, I got some good advice last week. (Thanks Dee!) The greater the goal, the greater the preparation must be. No brainer, right? For some reason that tidbit caught my attention, and I think this is the inspiration I finally needed to get back to Weight Watchers. My weight isn't really out of control, but I'd like to have some of my clothes fit more comfortably. Like my sister says, "you work out all the time!" But I don't feel like I have the body to show for it. There are muscles under there! I want to let them out. So I'm going on Wednesday whether I can con anyone from work into going with me or not.