Easter Egg Fleet Feet Run

I decided today that after my 4th consecutive Monday night group run with Fleet Feet, that this is going to be a weekly tradition for me. Every monday morning we get an email from the store co-owner about what the plans are for the evening run.

This morning there was mention that there would be an Easter egg hunt along the course and that every egg represented some type of prize you could trade in for at the end of the run!  I get excited about fun little runs like this, so I convinced highly suggested to 2 of my running buddies that they join in on the fun as well as introduce them to their first Fleet Feet group run.
Both from Ragnar Tennessee team- Mike

And Jason (also my co-captain / financial guru for Bourbon Chase)

They didn't want to run with me stating they were going to 'take it easy', and I didn't bring headphones with me thus it was a 'left alone with my thoughts' kind of run. 

Shortly after first mile we hit a trail which is where all the eggs were 'hidden'--- it actually took me quite some time till I came across the first one (can only take 1).

The fun was short lived as we finished up the trail and made our way onto the same street near work that I run often. Although the weather was absolutely pristine, I just wasn't feeling the run. My legs were like bricks, my breathing was off, and I was exhausted. The last few weeks I've been internalizing a lot of stress, and its starting to take its toll--- I broke out in shingles on Thursday and every day has been a struggle mid day to not want to nap. I went straight home from work today and took a quick 1 hour nap before the run and I still don't think it helped :(  In all honestly if I hadn't talked Jason and Mike into coming, I would have skipped out on the run entirely. 

Am I alone on this, or do you have weeks where your energy is zapped?!?!

I've been working a lot on my mentality "if i'm out here, I might as well give my all", so despite not feeling the run, I did opt to do the longest route being offered for the evening -5 miles. I know, I know its not a lot, but its so tempting to do a shorter run to beat everyone back and get your beer and food first. 

Route was shy of 5 miles, finished at 4.8 with an 8:30 average. I think its ridiculous how slow I felt and still pulled a descent time (small victory) 

Jason and Mike decided on 3 miles, so they already had a table and a pitcher of beer waiting. I knew there was a reason I liked them. I traded my egg for my prize- 2 sports nutrition items

I chose 2 'new to me items': Honey Stingers and blue cliff shot blocks---everything blue always seems to be good, so I hope they don't disappoint. I love trying new types of refueling nutrition, so I'm anxious to give these a go. 

Are you a creature of habit with your sports nutrition, or do you like to add new rotations/ flavors to the mix?

I recently discovered powerbars coco cola flavored electrolyte gummys... PURE HEAVEN 

Both boys won free draft beers so we chatted, drank, gorged on some guac and chips... and complained about work (we all work together).

I got a lot of my compliments on my outfit, saw KIM's post today about breaking in her new skirt, so figured I'd do the same! (we texted 2 weeks ago which ones to buy so we could match for our upcoming races with one another) Kim, what do you think of this outfit for Cinco de Mayo?!? Ole!! (or if you prefer something red, white, green, and maybe gold I'm sure we could come up with something) 

Even though I felt less than stellar tonight, I'm glad I went. I love my Monday night runs because its a great way to catch up with friends, get in a run I would have otherwise skipped, and get to meet new runners every week. (the free stuff is an added bonus as well)  If you don't already, I highly recommend looking into a local running club in your area--- its been highly motivating for me to add it into my "fly by the seat of my pants" schedule so at least I know Monday night is booked up.