This weekend I went out for a 10-mile run with Jeff in preparation for the race (2 weeks from now—yikes!). It was my one and only long-ish training run. Although it was great to have a running buddy (a shirtless, handsome one to boot!)—I am undeniably out of shape. My knee started hurting after mile 2 and the pain only got worse as the run progressed, and I got progressively slower...
Gone are the days when I could do a 10-mile run and keep my average pace close to 8-minutes. Gone are the days when I was actually happy that was doing ONLY 10 miles, when that was considered an “easy” run.
Not so much right now.
The Dallas Half Marathon is only a few weeks away and I am yet to stick to any kind of training plan. All I’ve managed to get in is a few miles here and there, plus some lifting. A few sad realizations:
- My knee is destroyed.
- I know that I need to start physical therapy.
- I know that I need to be stretching, foam rolling, etc.
- I know that I am going to regret not being prepared…
But is that enough to get my butt on that treadmill or running outside consistently? Ah, no.
So we're wingin' this one.
After the race, I plan on focusing on overall conditioning: lifting more and doing more circuit training. Still, I think I can manage shorter, fun, spontaneous runs. You know, when you decide last minute that it's too beautiful a day to stay indoors, impulsively change into your running clothes and head out the door--no Garmin, no plan, no goal. Just you and your own natural pace. I need more of those moments, and luckily had one a week ago:
Last Saturday was a beautiful spring day here in Austin. The sun was shining, temperatures were in the high 60’s… it would be a sin to run indoors.
I quickly debated the pros and cons of running outside vs. just going to the gym. The gym definitely sounded more convenient: I knew how to get there without getting lost (um, yea, still learning my way around Austin). I could just pound out a few miles and come home--no sunscreen required... But then I looked outside again and my decision was made.
The goal was to run at least five miles (ideally ten) at any comfortable pace.
I made it downtown in one piece, found my exit, and even managed to find the perfect parking spot—no need to parallel park! I stretched for a few minutes and started running... Past people fishing, past little kids rolling down grassy hills, past the UT crew team gliding across the lake. I felt my heart expand with happiness.
What a blessing to be living in this great city. I felt so lucky to be alive, to be breathing in this beautiful day, to feel the sun against my bare shoulders, to be outside... It was one of those rare moments when everything just fell into place and I couldn't help but think "Now this is why I love running."
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