Running Commentary

I am getting really obsessive about the running.

In part, it's that I know I need to put in the effort if I want to finish my first marathon. But the bigger thing is that I just really, really love it.

On Saturday, Steve and I ran Race for the Cure. Techincally, I was supposed to do my long run on Saturday, and a 5K definitely doesn't cut it. But I really wanted to run the race, since it's always a fun one, so I decided the 5K would be a bonus run and that I'd just do my long run on Sunday.

Well, I really, really sucked at RFTC. I felt creeky, slow, and uncomfortable. My pace was really, really off. I tried not to freak out about it, but part of me was thinking, "If you're having trouble with a simple 3.1 miles, how are you going to do another 23.1?"

I decided to shrug it off, and Scarlett O'Hara about how tomorrow was another day. And sure enough, it was. I woke up on Sunday morning, ate a peanut butter and banana sandwich, and went on a 9 mile run. And it felt awesome. I was strong, and I felt like I could have kept on going. Better still, my pace was excellent. My average pace for the 9-miler was faster than I did for the 5K. That really did me a lot of good mentally.

And the run? So much fun. I went down to the river and looked at the Mississippi while most of the town, save a few guys fishing, was apparently still asleep. I had a spectacular mix on my iPod. I experimented with some new things I'll need as the runs get longer. I used a water bottle on a waist pack, which worked okay, and ate some gel at the halfway point. I swear to Yoda, I felt like I was powering up like in a video game. That stuff works (or at the very least, works on my brain). I'll be buying more for future long runs. I felt happy and proud of myself all day.

Monday was a rest day, and on Tuesday, instead of getting up at 6:00, I slept so Steve could sleep. By the time evening rolled around, I was itching to get into my running shoes. Ran 3 miles and it felt like nothing, just a pleasant stretch of time to myself. And this morning, I was set for a five miler. I decided to run to our new house, partially to see it again, partially to find out how far away it is from Temporary Wasser Manor. It was four miles, so I ran for five, then walked back to TWM. I'm already planning on going for another run tonight so I can have tomorrow free to celebrate our anniversary (ten years!) with Steve.

Running is definitely becoming a big part of my life again. I feel healthy, strong, and more centered for it.