It started as the desire to complete just one 10K to say I did it. A few weeks into my training, a relationship came to an end and I lost my job. Those training runs quickly became my best friends as I sorted through the losses and uncertainty. Now, more than 4 years, training for 5 half marathons, and one knee surgery later, the challenges I have taken on in running have helped me understand that I can take on, and conquer, whatever lies in my path ahead.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Faster or Older

This morning was a charity 5K that benefits my agency. A "voluntary" work day, as such. So I signed up to run, fully expecting to show up and complete it and that is all - given my uber slack attitude toward running.

Then yesterday, I made the mistake of opening the results from last year to realize I placed 4th in my age group. And they give medals to places 1-3. Why oh why did I look at that? Cause of course I had to try for that #3 spot.

Mile 1 was 8:05. Then mile 2, with a long hill, my low mileage and low hydration and general lack of "give a damn" showed up and I struggled. Even walked for 1:11. (this is important). Got myself together before Mile 3 began - blessedly downhill Mile 3. Paced myself well, kicked my speed up enough but not too much so there was something left at the end.

Finished at 26:24, almost 2 min. under my time last year. Filled out the little card and went to drop it in the box for my age group at the same time another woman did. But there were already 3 cards in there. #4 again. Should I kick myself for walking at all? Should I be glad to do well even unprepared? I would have had the medal in the next age group -- so I'd better get faster or older for next year.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

I really suck

or the motivation has just been sucked out of me.

No runs for a week.

No real motivation to run.

Apparently trying to buy a house and staying on a running schedule don't mesh well for me. - yeah, yeah, it really is just excuses.

Like Scarlett, I'll think about it tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day.