Whew! I tell ya it’s a load off that I haven’t gotten any flack for my post from this morning. In all honesty, talking about things like blog money (including a general idea of how much I make personally) made me more than a little nervous. I believe in opening discussions and when I get enough questions on a topic, I’ll give in eventually and open up my big mouth. Mum’s not usually the word around here.

This morning, I headed out early to get my run on. Fall is definitely coming. I felt a little chilly in my Champion tee and running shorts as I started my run.

Still in the dark. I didn’t expect it to be relatively dark out! Luckily it brightened up quickly, since I’m not a fan of running in the dark. With my propensity to have a wild imagination, it never bodes well. I spend more of my run picturing creepy men in the bushes than worrying about the numerous boardwalks I could trip over. And we all know the boardwalks pose a more likely risk. Klutz to the extreme, right here!

I am incredibly thankful that today’s six mile run was a recovery run. Normally Wednesdays call for a speedier run, but this week focused on an easy pace.

I ran the six miles at my steady pace, knowing I wouldn’t have managed any faster. My body was not happy with me on this run. I would even venture to say this is the first time I have ever felt any pain on a run. My right calf and IT band felt abnormally tight, in an almost to the point of painful way, the last couple of miles. Not okay!

It sure gave me a reality check. I have not been too good about stretching and foam rolling lately. I know I simply cannot let that part of my training slide if I want to stay in top function and adequately care for my body.

When I really started thinking about it, I realized that I have only been stretching at the end of classes at the gym or the end of my workout DVDs because it is included in the workout. I haven’t been focusing nearly enough on stretching my body out after runs. And I need it the most then!

So, after my run today I made a point to stretch well. I did some of my favorite stretches immediately following my run and then came home and bonded with my foam roller and special stretching weapon – the rolling pin.

I even broke out some yoga poses when I had the chance sans kiddos. Let’s hope my body will feel like one piece again soon and not the broken pile of “ow-ies” it feels like right now. And that I can actually stick to my goal of stretching more. I may just have to add it to my daily to-do list to make myself do it. The satisfaction of crossing something else off my list could be just the motivation I need to get ‘er done.

• How often do you stretch?
• Do you ever add unnecessary things to your to-do list just to feel good about crossing them off?

I think I maxed out on the serious writing yesterday.

• My Irrational Fear
• I Have To Address This

And then I have part two of the Blogging Numbers: Page Views and Money Talk post planned for tomorrow morning. I like to keep us all sane around here, so I think we need a little more fun, easy reading. Tuesday Tangents should just about do it.

Why do I have such problems filling my car with gas? This appeared Sunday afternoon….but it took me a full 24 hours to finally fill up.

Speaking of which, I miss gas prices under a dollar.

I went to the gym last night for a legs/shoulders/abs workout and spin class. I forgot my water bottle at home. Don’t ever let me do that again. *pant* *dehydration* *pant*

I love breakfast for dinner. Especially this red potato, spinach, onion, and mushroom hash with two over easy eggs

Recycled meal idea? Yes. Recycled photo? I was too busy guzzling water to snap a pic!

I’m bummed the temperatures crept back up to 90 again this week. Not only do I miss the slight chill in the air, but I also can’t comfortable hide my hairy legs under jeans anymore. It’s getting pretty bad, too.

I got this email recently.

On Christmas Eve last year my sister and I purchased a steal of a deal for two day tours through Georgia Wine Country. We planned to go in the fall this year because the North Georgia Mountains are simply gorgeous and perfect for wine hopping at that time.

Cancelled!!! I had been trying to schedule it as a special sister day to celebrate the Saturday after my half-marathon! Now, it makes me want to sign up for this race even more…

Three weeks after my first half in Savannah. A well put-together race series. Hosted at Chateau Elan – aka a wine vineyard and country estate close to home.

Beautiful, right? And did I mention that there is live music and wine after the race? I have a feeling I need to get my booty signed up if I’m going to do it. It’s a 2000 person race cap!

Please check out Heather’s raffle for Team In Training.

There are some awesome prizes up for grabs and every entry donation goes towards TNT.

I wrote a guest post for Gabriela this weekend. All about going to Crazy Town with my eating habits in the past.

You should check it out.

And, with that, I’m out! 

• Are you bad about getting gas in your car too?
• Race cap of 2000. Really want to do the race. Should I suck it up and register now? Or wait and see how I like my first half?