Where's the Beach?

This morning started off like most mornings when I run. I begrudgingly get out of the warm bed and stumble into the bathroom to start the process of layering up. I guess I should say this is typical for winter mornings. It always seems to take so much longer to get ready for a cold weather run. And then there's the debating on whether or not you're over- or under-dressed. I often pull out several options even. Once I'm finally settled on my attire (or just tired of over-thinking it), I'll head downstairs to let the dogs out. I will drink some water, maybe check email, Facebook, Twitter. Just trying to wake my brain up. Then I'll start the process of putting on all my gadgets and gear. I affix my blinking lights, buckle on my SpiBelt, make sure my mace is securely attached to the SpiBelt, tuck my phone into a baggy then into the SpiBelt pouch. Gloves go on, Garmin goes on, and I'm off to face whatever the weather and wind throw at me. As a runner, I am...

Running Un-Scared  This morning I woke up around 5:15 to get in a 3-4 mile run. Originally, Jason and I had planned on doing speed work after work. However, with our temperatures back into the 100's and air quality on the decline, I thought it was smarter (safter) to scratch that run and go with a Plan B. My plan B was a solo run around the neighborhood. I won't lie, it does make me a little nervous to head out in my neighborhood when it's still dark out. I haven't figured out exactly how to carry both my water bottle and mace. Any tips? I do wear a reflective arm band made by Brooks Running as well as a flashing light that I attach to my shorts. And I do carry my ID. If you do run at night or dark morning hours, I highly recommend Brooks' Nightlife line of clothing and accessories. Nightlife Reflective Arm Band - Source As much as I wanted to go a different route, since I was solo and it was dark, I stuck to my normal route. I figured if anything happen...