I can't believe today begins week 10. I think I'm supposed to be up to 3 miles, but doubt I'll do that tonight. I'm hoping for 2.5 miles.

There have been a couple of really good runs as another beginner acted as a pace buddy for two of those night. We were also running through the area of town where I live, but haven't really ventured into parts that are past my apartment, which I love. The route takes me by local businesses of all types and all of the downtown homes, condos, etc. I'm so busy looking and gawking that my sole focus isn't on how many minutes till I walk or am I done yet.

The pace buddy is really nice, not just for setting a really steady nice pace, but also because as it gets darker (we start at 6:30, so we don't have a lot of light these days) it's nice not to be alone.

Last week presented a challenge that I hadn't given any thought to, but should have. We ran along a busy street. Now, the traffic did freak me out a bit, but remember, it's basically dark about 10-15 minutes into the run. I'm night blind. Oh, I can see somewhat, but headlights do a number on me. In fact, I try not to drive after dark unless I'm extremely familiar with where I'm going. Well folks, it's not any better on foot than in a car. Yes, at the end of the run, on this busy street, with headlights coming at me, I really couldn't see. More street lamps would probably make it better, but it's mostly residential so there just aren't that many. I mentioned this to coach as I wouldn't be doing that run again. I'd just do a route that took me off the main roads. I even stopped a bit short of the turn around point because of the sight thing and major road with a major curve. As I mentioned, traffic that close also freaked me out a bit.

I made all four nights though and made the 2.5 miles. So, I was happy with that. Imagine my disappointment when I saw tonight's route. Another major road, 3 miles, and over a two lane, busy bridge. In the dark. I'm sure it's got good hills and I'm sure in the daylight I would be fine, but I just don't see me doing this route in the dark. Even if someone stuck to me like glue (my running buddy missed last Wednesday), it doesn't change that fact that my vision will be severely limited. My solution - I'll do the neighborhood run that I like, only earlier. Two benefits - I'll be able to see, plus I'll be done earlier and have a little more down time tonight.

Still going good on the no chocolate, which makes me happy. If I need chocolate, it's coming from mostly a baked goodie on the weekend (I didn't eliminate all chocolate, just chocolate candy). For 6 weeks now, my hands have stayed out of the various office candy jars (I don't buy candy myself).