What does coffee really cost?

This morning, I had Phil wake me up when he woke up (I had instructed him to not let me talk him into letting me sleep again, so I didn't even try to) at 7:30. I ate breakfast, drank coffee, and watched an episode of Gilmore Girls.

I had 2 cups of coffee, and I was still dozing off come 8:45 (15 minutes before my scheduled run). What's up with that? Am I really so addicted to coffee that 2 mugs does virtually nothing anymore? Or could this be a result of me running and not properly fueling myself? I know I get enough of the basic stuff, i.e. protein, fat, fiber, etc. but I don't really pay much attention to my iron intake or various vitamins. I'm going to start taking that multi-vit, I really am, and maybe that will make a difference. I wish people actually read this so they can give me advice.

Anyway, I moved my lazy butt outside and started my run, which I had mapped out using my training log from RunnersWorld.com. I thought 4 miles outside was a little ambitious, since that's my treadmill limit and I've only run outside once this summer (Sunday) and it didn't go well. Today, however, started out well, probably because my neighborhood is pretty and I recently discovered a whole area that I'd ever been before down Front St. There was a little path surrounded by flowers for a good 4 or 5 blocks-- nice! I baskd in "nature" for a moment or two before veering into the dirty city which we all know so well.

I really do hate running past smokers. I don't blame them at all, in fact I blame myself for mapping out a course that goes through one of the busiest areas of the city. But dare inhale next to someone enjoying their morning fix, and your throat immediately constricts. Ah well, lesson learned. Or maybe it wasn't really that bad.

Anyways, despite dirty Philly, I ran the full 4.1 miles. I didn't think I was going to make it at the end, but I found hidden strength and pulled through. Yay for me.

Well, that was funny...

Week 2, Run 1: 2.4 miles, 23 minutes, give or take.

As I mentioned, a friend was visiting this weekend. I had planned on waking up at 7:30 and running before he woke up. However, 7:30 became 8:30 and he was already awake, too, so I decided on a quick run, instead.

I normally eat and drink coffee before running, but I just woke up and ran outside. It was my first outdoor run this year, and it was SO HARD. I did 2.4 miles and just that was a major struggle. Usually, with 4 miles, I feel like I'm pushing myself, but I could go on. Not this morning. I was breathing hard the whole time and counting every block.

I'm not sure why this is. I know running outside can be more difficult than a treadmill, but even now I'm exhausted. Am I really that addicted to coffee?

Well, in 2o minutes I'm leaving to bike to work.. maybe I can get in a power nap before then!