This is one of my favorite posts from my old blog. I thought it was worth a repeat here. Enjoy!
To run or not to run
Sitting on the couch, outfitted in my running clothes, I have visions of Cameron in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. “He’ll keep calling meeee…. I’ll go. I’ll go….I’ll go”
Trying to motivate myself, I pull my sluggish body off of the couch, “I’ll go. I’ll go….I’ll go!”
Slowly I walk to the end of the block to my starting point - the stop sign. I bargain with myself, “One lap; that’s all you need to do. Just get through one lap. One point eight miles – you can do it. Easy.”
Ipod shuffle. Check. Shoes laced. Check. Deodorant. Check. Let’s go.
0.5 miles
The weather is great today. That rain really cooled things down. Nice breeze going, lightly blowing against my face. Ohhh… here comes a guy running the other way. OK, pick up the pace a bit. Look like you know what you’re doing here. Look like you’re an avid runner. Wave back. Smile and head nod. OK, he’s gone. Slooowww back down. Back to the agony.
1.0 miles
I hate the first mile. Man, this hurts. Where is that runner that was training for the half marathon? I liked her. She was smooth, strong, … confident. Where did this jiggly, spastic stride come from? Awww, what a cute dog. THEY won yard of the month? Would fajitas be good for dinner?
1.5 miles
OK, now I’m finding my stride! This isn’t so bad. I am an efficient running machine! Breathe in, breathe out…breathe in, breathe out. Relax your arms and shoulders. Ohhh…I like this song! I think I’ll speed up the pace a bit.
1.8 miles
OH MY GOD – that’s the longest song EVER! I hate that song! Fast forward. OK, coming up on one lap. How do I feel? Should I go for one more? Lungs, how’re you holding up?
“We’re a little tight, but holding on! Keep going!”
Heart?
“Still pumping away! Keep going!”
Legs?
“We’re just getting warmed up down here! Keep going!”
All right, knees you’re the weak link in the system. How are things with you guys?
“Wee’r givin’ ‘er all she’s got Capt’n but I don’ know how much longer she’ll hold.”
(Why my knees sound like Scotty from Star Trek I don’t know, but it makes me smile.)
Consensus – Keep going!
2.0 miles
Here comes the guy again. Head nod. Smile. I wish he would quit passing me! It’s hard to keep this pace up.
2.5 miles
I’m really finding my pace today. This actually feels great. How about adding a little speed work? Ok, sprint to the end of the street. Ready…Go!
2.7 miles
Ouch. That hurt.
3.0 miles
I’m rounding the last corner. Only half a mile to go. Relax the arms and shoulders. OK, time to trade out my tired legs for “NEW LEGS”. Commence with Operation New Legs.
3.4 miles
Bring it on HOME. Strong finish…The stop sign is only a few feet away now. I think I can, I think I can!
3.5 miles
Wow – what a high! I feel amazing! The runner’s still in there – I just had to dig a little for her. I feel like I could conquer the world right now! All right stop-sign, same time tomorrow. See you then.
4 comments:
Yes. Exactly. Except I hate both of the first two miles, and only get past dinner/who I am mad at/pain counters as I enter mile three. Which is why four miles is my all time favorite distance ever!
Hahaha, I swear we are all bipolar!
It doesn't matter what kind of shape I'm in, the first mile is always at least a little hard!
Love your knees being Scotty.
Way to talk yourself through it!
I hate the first mile too, especially in a race. I wonder how I am going to make it? Then my heart rate and body get in sync to where I can make the long haul.
Post a Comment