Remember yesterday? Yesterday, when I got all nervous after mapping out my first 4-mile run?
Yeah, that was dumb.
I felt fine this morning when I left during T Junior’s nap. But I felt fantastic when I saw 20 or so fireman practicing rescues at the entrance of my neighborhood on the bridge over the trail.
At least there will be someone to save me when I collapse.
After a brief warm-up walk, I jogged through my first cul-de-sac knowing I’d be jogging back through the same exact street around Mile Three. I continued over the sidewalks in my neighborhood and wondered how I’d be feeling the next time I dodged this sprinkler or hopped over this hose.
I don’t know what it is, but my first 1.5 miles always suck. They are always so stiff and tiring. And, the days that I only go that far are the worst because I feel like I should be able to go really fast and I end up running all out of control. Also, it takes just as long to get T Junior ready for a long run as it does for a 20-minuter. With all that prep, I want to get my money’s worth, thank you very much.
Today was no different. Around 1.5, my body went stiff. I ran through it like I always do and by 2 miles, I felt better. It’s just some kind of hump I have to get over every time I run, I guess.
Being in the neighborhood was nice today. The view of snow-draped Mount Rainier against the blue sky was beautiful. And, lots of people were outside washing cars or mowing lawns. It gave me something to look at. To think about. In fact, I’m starting to enjoy running in and out of cul-de-sacs.
I guess I made peace with the pavement. I also think it’s good for my training that the development has at least two challenging hills, which I ran up and down twice on my route. The trail, on the other hand, is flat. I figure most races will be on roads and they will have inclines, and if I’m going to run the Seattle Half, I need to get used to those things.
By three miles I felt AWESOME. My stride lengthened, I went faster and it was easy. Maybe it’s because I knew the end was near. Or, maybe it was the encouraging thumbs-up and a “You go girl!” from a neighbor. Or, perhaps it was because I had returned to where the firemen were. Whatever. I felt like I was flying.
Today’s run gave me the confidence I need to sign up. I noticed this morning that registration for the Issaquah Salmon Days 10k opened and Mr. T didn’t give me too much trouble about the $75 fee to enter the Seattle Half. In fact, I think he wants me to win the race.
“What do you get if you win?” he asked this morning as I was swiping on some lip balm.
I shrugged. “Probably some money, but I’m not going to win the race. And, that’s not why I’m doing it anyway.”
“Whadoyou mean you’re not gonna win? Then why do it?”
“I’m doing it just to say I did it. I’m competing against my brain.”
This is not a concept Mr. T could grasp. Maybe he’ll get it when I cross the finish line.
1 comment
EXCELLENT JOB! What a great run! And of course, firemen definitely are motivators. *drool* :)So when is the Issaquah 10K? And did you officially enter the Seattle Half? Woot!