I always thought of myself as a runner until I hit my 40's and discovered that running was way harder than it used to be. Now in all honesty I know 40 and 50 and 60 year old runners who make it look easy. I suspect my work, kids, relationship and tendancy to say yes to everything, life balance contributes to my difficulties. While I'm running 3 – 4 miles relatively comfortably, a group of my friends were all running marathons. Now despite that holding absolutley no appeal, I do have a competitive nature, so when the all women's 1/2 iron man got mentioned I was in! Regretably this does include a 13.1 mile run. So like any good triathlete I followed a 12 week plan and stuck to the schedule as much as my life allowed…which at about week 7 or 8 included a 2 hour run….I shared this with my girlfriends on July 11 about 15 minutes after completing my run:
So I have to share my 2 hours 7 – 9 am run with you all…
Fist I have random thoughts and they are seldom the deep pondering kind. I appreciate the beauty of the morning the trees the birds…wonder about the square footage of the houses I pass and could I live in that neighborhood, and today I actually made a list of the pros and cons, I think I was bored.
Pros
Clearly the biggest is that I can run 2hours.
I have mellowed this year and no longer care about time
Because my clothes were so wet I am assuming they help keep me cool
I concluded that I am not a bear….as I shared with Julie and Melissa Bears poop in the woods, I do not. I have mapped a run that includes a porta potty
The porta potty is seldom used and relatively clean
I recognized Melissa Allen from her fantastic arms! And she and her friends cheered me on
Two lone cyclists actually smiled and said hello
Reconfirmed in my head that Melissa Smith and I are two peas in a pod, might have been followed with a blurb of relationship analysis, mine and hers…this should probably be in the cons…who wants to think heavy thoughts …I need light and airy to help lift my legs and feet
In the last mile I was grateful that my knees still felt good and hips joints appeared to be functioning in working order, my actual thought was well that is good that my legs haven't fallen out of the sockets..hmmm I wonder if that has ever happened to anyone
I run carrying a water bottle which I have decided must be good for my arms
Cons
I have mellowed this year and no longer care about time (yes this is both)
My clothing was so wet from sweating that I felt like I had just come out of a pool, I believe I was dripping and passing motorists probably assumed that I was peeing my pants
Being that sweaty wet causes toilet paper to adhere to my legs like paper mache, those same passing motorists were probably wondering what was waving behind my behind
A few miles of my run were spent pondering when I was going to poop and could I make it (pro – had TP in my shirt pocket / con – it was probably already wet)
The hard core cyclist that passed with in 2 feet of me looked directly at me with out changing his expression despite my cheery "good morning"
I am typically ready to be done a few miles away from my house, that is mentally ready, not 120 minutes
I am running slow enough to converse, but alas have no one to talk to.
I am technically challenged and somehow knocked my Garmin losing 20 minutes worth of data.
Old people are the worst when it comes to giving you room on the road. I may have actually shot a dirty look at an old man this morning when he buzzed me…and then felt guilt…
My fabulous abs are still hidden under a layer of pudge that wraps around my middle despite these 2 hours runs!
Had to drive 1 1/2 hours to NH and 1 1/2 back….got out of the car thinking I walked like I needed the handicapped spot!
Conclusion:
THANK GOD WE ONLY HAVE 3 MORE WEEKS!!!
Second conclusion:
Ultra – Marathon runners are crazy! As in certifiable should be on drugs…. No Melissa I will not ever run 50 miles just in case you decide to up the ante…assuming at some point an ultra marathon hits your radar screen, because I know how you think ….
I also need to add…despite being the non-runner of my circle of friends, the encouragement and woohoos meant a ton I finished that 1/2 iron man and didn't feel like a non runner! I was proud of myself and happy with my time. Thank you Melissa, Coreen, Julie, and Judy for all your encouragement!
