Listen to the pros

With the weather being so beautiful I ignored my usual running routine, which is based on a training program designed by professionals. Instead, I ran three days in a row and then my knee started hurting. You see, there's a reason the pros tell you to do cross training some days and take rest days. And there's a reason that I don't write running books. It's because I'm an idiot. Luckily I don't appear to have done any lasting damage. I cross trained for a day and then did another run and, while the knee is a little stiff, it seems to be OK. I'm sure there are people who can run every day of the week but from now on I'm going to stick with what the pros recommend. Besides, the humidity is creeping up now which doesn't inspire me to break the rules.

Running - cures what ails you

The weather has been gorgeous lately. I did 5 miles on Saturday in the warm sunshine. Did another 3.5 miles yesterday in almost hot weather. I'm not complaining! I'd much rather be running in the heat than the cold (perhaps a reflection of the fact that I first took up running in Arizona?). I've been keeping my mileage on the low side lately in an effort to give my body a break. However, now I'm feeling sluggish. Normally today would be a cross training day but I brought my running gear to the office with me and I may do a few miles around campus. Not only do I feel the need to burn some excess calories but my head is particularly cluttered as of late and I think a run might help both situations. Of course, today the weather has taken a turn and it is raining. Still warm, but raining - which means humid. Oh well, I'm waterproof.

Comfort

I accidentally left my running shoes in my office yesterday so when I went for my run around the neighborhood this morning I had to use an old pair that I had retired awhile back. You know that saying "as comfortable as an old pair of shoes"? I was surprised at how comfortable these shoes were. After all, I had tossed them in favor of new shoes, right? So as I was having a great run I was thinking "Why did I get rid of these things? They're so comfortable!" The answer, of course, is that they have a lot of mileage on them and, despite the fact that they felt comfortable for a quick 3 mile run, the cushioning is pretty much gone and if I had continued to run in them my feet would have paid the price.

This simple thought process on running shoes lead me to a more profound conclusion on comfort. Just because something is comfortable doesn't mean that it's what's best for you. In running and in life you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone from time to time. If I hadn't pushed myself in my training there's no way I would have broken the 9-minute-mile barrier in the Broad Street Run a few weeks ago. The same goes for life. You're never going to discover new things (about the world or yourself) if you don't push yourself. Now, that's not to say that being comfortable is bad. Certainly I would tell anyone who is taking up running that it shouldn't hurt all of the time! But if you're comfortable all of the time then you're not exploring your full potential. And I think the same goes for life. Comfortable is good sometimes but not always.

Well, that's my musing for the day (after a particularly good run). Maybe I should stop drinking so early in the morning.

Things I have learned (Part IV)

1. If neither the spirit nor the flesh is willing then it just ain't gonna happen.
2. Sometimes the threat of rain is worse than actual rain.
3. It's very difficult to have a good run when you have to go to the bathroom.

Race for the Cure - Philly style

I spent my Mother's Day morning running in the Race for the Cure with two of my neighbors and about 45,000 other people in downtown Philadelphia. What a great day! It was a nice, easy 3.1 mile stroll for me but that's fine. One of my neighbors has been working hard to get into shape and doing this run was a milestone for her, so I told her I'd stick with her the whole way and that's what we did. We ran a 12 minute mile - a personal record for her! Yea! And then we just relaxed and enjoyed the free food and music and sunny weather afterwards. I just love this race. We've already decided that we need to get a bigger group of people for next year. And then maybe instead of taking it easy I'll step it up and see just how fast I can go. ;)

Back on the streets

After some days of rest and easy cross training, I was back running again today. Nothing hard - just 30 minutes around campus. It felt good. I don't think I had fully appreciated how much I was in need of a run. The end-of-semester stress coupled with other work and real life has been taking a toll lately. And while a run can't fix everything, a good one can certainly improve things (or at least your outlook on things).

I have a confession to make. I'm not one of those people who get the famous "runner's high" (that's not the confession). Running is hard for me. I do it because I get satisfaction at doing well at something that is difficult, not because I feel all warm and fuzzy at mile 8. However, I have to admit that during this last race I had moments that were high-like and (this is for all the girls out there) it came from passing younger, taller, reasonably fit men on the course. I know, I know... that's very shallow of me but what I can I say? For a woman who is going to be, well, let's just say "not young" very soon and who was never athletically inclined, this is a huge ego boost. :)

Post race buzz

I had intended to post more before the race but the time sort of got away from me. I'm now at home enjoying my post race buzz. I managed 8:45 splits which makes me quite the happy girl. I knew I could do 9:30, I was hoping for 9:00 and I busted my butt and got 8:45. Not too bad, if I do say so myself. I'm sore and I know it's going to be worse tomorrow, but that's what you get when you push yourself. The race was fun - a TON of people (over 20,000 runners), cool music along the way (an awesome blues band at mile 6), and wonderful weather. Really an all-around great race. Now where's that beer?