Gym-tastic!

10 minutes warm up on the stairmaster yesterday. I love the stairmaster!

35 minutes on the treadmill last night--started at an easy pace for 10 minutes, then alternated between 6 and 6.5 mph pace for 25 minutes. 5 minute walk to cool-down.

I was very tired when I got to the gym, but knew I needed the workout and would feel great once I started. I felt strong through the entire run. It was a good workout.

The Gym. I will never go again between the hours of 5pm and 8pm. (I knew there was a reason I am a late evening gym "rat".) It's insane in there! You can't get an open machine to save your life, and the front desk clerk makes an announcement over the intercom system to "remind you that there is a 20 minute limit on all cardio machines." 20 minute limit? I know you're busy, but I pay for my membership, and 20 minutes isn't enough time.

These days I definitely prefer running outside...though I will admit the last few days have me scared of running outdoors. One of the top stories on the news Monday night was of a woman who was out jogging in Lincoln Park in West Seattle (my neighborhood), who was attacked by a man in broad daylight. She is fine--just a few minor injuries, but how frightening. She managed to fight him off, and there were a couple of witnesses, but the man got away. They don't know what his intentions were. Whatever they were, they were not good.

I always feel I am careful when I'm out running alone. I never go alone in the dark. I always wear a safety flash, and stay on pretty public streets. But you just never know. I've decided it's time to find a group to run with outdoors. And on my weekend runs outdoors I will stick to very heavily populated areas like Greenlake or Alki, and I will continue to run on the treadmill through the Winter as daylight is scarce. Anyone looking for a running partner?

4 miles tonight, and 3 tomorrow. Perfect prep for my Thanksgiving meal at Cafe' Flora tomorrow night! I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving, whatever you are doing!