I can't believe we're more than half way through November already. I guess that means it's time for a Pile on the Miles Check In.

At the beginning of the month, I set a goal to run three times a week for an average of 30 minutes each time. It seemed like a pretty attainable goal, and I've done a pretty decent job of getting my runs in -- though I haven't been perfect.

The first week I managed to get in two of my runs before I came down with a cold that knocked me out for the rest of the week. I could function OK, but I just didn't have the energy for running. I was trying to plan my runs on my lunch breaks on the days I worked from home so it wasn't too dark or too cold, but I still ended up switching over to my fall running gear at some point.



I'm enjoying running in capris and long sleeve shirts again.

This past week I was able to hit all three of my runs -- including my very first run after work since we changed the clocks earlier this month.



I couldn't believe how dark it was outside at 5:30 p.m. I did my regular 3-ish mile loop, and I was cutting through one of the neighborhoods that I usually run through during the day. I didn't realize it didn't have street lights, so with all the trees it was pretty dark and I could barely see a foot in front of me. I'm lucky I didn't bite it on some uneven pavement.

Next time I do a run after work, I'm going to have to find a route with more street lights. That probably means going back to my boring out and back route along the main drag. It's a heavily trafficked street with a sidewalk and lots of street lights, so while visibility isn't perfect, it's definitely better than in some of the neighborhoods.

This week I don't really expect to hit any of my runs. I got sick on Friday, and the medicine my doctor put me on has some wicked side effects including loss of appetite, dizziness and nausea -- all of which I've experienced to some extent over the last few days. I tried running on Saturday while on the medicine and by the time I got home I was on the verge of yakking, passing out or possibly both. So I'm pressing pause on running until I'm off these antibiotics. No sense in running if it's just going to make me feel like crap.

I don't love the set back, but it is what it is, and there's not a whole lot I can do about it. So I'm just going to try to deal for a few more days.

How are you doing with your November goals?