Last Thursday, there was a huge full moon out when I left the house. My phone's camera doesn't take good nighttime photos, but it was still fun to take a couple pictures at the beginning and end of the run.

Even though I had to temporarily stop doing my circuit training on non-run days, I was absolutely exhausted last week. I ended up only running two days instead of three. Darn. Well, I run like crap when I'm exhausted, so hopefully I'll start running better now that I've gotten some sleep.  🙂

The other major, stupid thing I did last Monday as I was doing the “Total Abs” workout that John told me about was to push myself too hard, especially on the “supermen” exercise. I really did in my lower back. I haven't been able to lean over and touch my toes without hanging onto something and grimacing. I've been stretching every which way trying to get those muscles to relax, and John massaged them last night, so I'm feeling a little better every day. But wow, what a dumb thing to do! I know better, but now I'll really remember not to overdo it again! (I did not do that exercise today!)

Otherwise, things are going well. I feel really good at 6 miles, but without the circuit training the last few weeks, I can tell the difference. I'm not going to gain any speed until I build my strength. So I'll try to get more of that into my schedule. (I'm so busy with work! That's why I took it out.) I'll wait to add an extra mile until I'm doing better with 6 miles. I don't want to hurt myself, and that is so easy to do when you're running.

Most days I head out (in the dark!) and think to myself, let's go enjoy this run. The mindset helps a lot, and I do enjoy myself – which gets me out again the next time. Also, my Facebook friends have been awesome about encouraging me whether I'm doing great or falling down a bit (like with my diet this weekend). I also thank God for endorphins, without which I don't know if I could keep adding more miles! LOL!