Today is a milestone.
I don't know if it was the temperature outside, the light rain/drizzle falling from the sky or the music from my ipod. I don't know how it happened but somehow, today, I ran 4.2 miles straight without slowing down or walking. And it seemed easy. That's 1/3 of the half-marathon and I am bewildered.
A lot had to do with the fact that I look 3 Advil one hour before jogging to nix the hip pain. Probably not the best thing for me but I've got to wing it until January and it works. Nonetheless, I started out just like any other workout before. The neighborhood was quiet and no one was out due to the cold and the rain. Mile 1 went by really fast and before I knew it, I was at the end of Mile 2 and wondering why I wasn't out of breath or ready to stop like I usually am. My goal had been 3 miles but about halfway through 3, I realized I still wasn't tired or out of breath so I continued on. Okay, we'll go for four and see what happens. Mile 4 came and went and I looked at my watch: 54:33. Had I really run for almost an hour and I'm not out of breath?? What on earth is going on?
Now, this is not the fastest time, but it's within the time limit for race day and I just didn't get what was happening. I had finished my 4 mile route and then I didn't know what to do (I hadn't planned for this scenario) so I jogged the rest of the way back to our house, still not breathing hard or ready to quit. A total of 4.2 miles. I strolled into the house, immediately got ice on my hip per the good doctor's recommendation and started my stretching routine. After that I just kind of sat there scratching my head trying to figure out what was going on. That's not supposed to be easy. Why was that easy?
It's hours later and I still don't have the answer but I'll take it with no complaints! I am grateful because today, for the first time since I started this endeavor in February, I feel like a runner. I haven't felt like a runner this whole time (and I may not ever again) but today I do and to say it felt wonderful doesn't begin to describe it! Guess we'll have to see what this week's workouts bring!
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You should probably change your name to Steve Prefontaine. Because you're going the distance. Then, maybe NIKE will accidentally forget that he died and that he was a he, and mail over stock options and time slots to use the company jet.
ReplyDeleteBTW, check your email, you sneaky dear friend you.