Running

I've been doing a lot of running lately, especially since I finally committed to running my first Half Marathon (in 3 weeks).  Here are some thoughts/updates:

- running hills is tough - running hills in high humidity, even tougher - BUT by the third run, I conquered the big hill (but I might have walked the next little hill).
- I do most of my running by myself.  It's kind of soothing.  But not as motivating as having a running partner.  I was lucky to have a running partner in the Bahamas (oh yeah, we were on vacation - recap coming).  Otherwise there was at least one morning I would not have made it.  And she helped push me up the big hill!  And I feel like my pace is faster, so that's a bonus.
- My first really long run (8 miles) was this weekend.  Hubby needed to run 4.5 to get his 15/week in (Lent) so he went with me.  It was a family run.  We took turns pushing JW in the stroller.  Solid 10 minute miles for the whole run!  (And he says he'll do 9 with me this weekend!!)
- Hills are tough - but what's tougher - pushing a 25 pound stroller with a 25 pound kid up those hills.
- Music is key to a good run.  I need some new music - any suggestions?
- I got some training advice from my sister - who knew you needed to get some fuel during the big runs.  Good thing I signed up for the Brooks Run Happy University and they sent me a welcome packet (I have only run in Brooks Adrenaline for the last 8 years).  There were some Chump bites in there.  Pretty good, though hard to chew and run.  I need to run to Dick's or somewhere and try some other options.  But the Blueberry Pomegranate flavor was yummy.

I'm pretty happy with my running over the last few weeks.  I haven't set any time goals for the race (the course is pretty hilly).  I'd just like to finish my first one.  Maybe if I like it enough, I'll set some goals for the next one ;)