did i really say that?

Congrats to all those that raced this weekend!  FrayedLaces that Boston qualified, Aron who PR'd by 20 minutes, and Dando who ran his first marathon to name a few! Awesome job to everyone else who raced!

Friday was my delightful 7k run from my last post, yesterday I went out early for a 4.5k tempo run, and by last night was really trying to decide what I was going to do. The snow was falling, temperatures freezing, and wind was already blowing. I typically meet with the running group at 7:30 am Sunday mornings, but already last night the sidewalks were slippery with ice, and covered with a good layer of snow. I'm obviously less of an athlete than Steve as I certainly wasn't going to bring a shovel with me to carve out my 13k run... lol.

Running has been going well, too well to risk an injury.  I could just picture myself slipping on ice, and something bad happening.  So I opted to make a "smart" decision, and decided that I'd just go to the gym, and run my 13k on a treadmill instead.  Yes, boring, I know, but safer.

Here's part of the conversation yesterday evening:

Jay: What do you want to eat for dinner, since you're running in the morning?

Me: I'm only running 13k, so....

Jay: Ohhhhh, excuse me... "I'm only running 13k"... you can eat anything then I guess, since you're only doing 13k

Funny how less than 2 years ago, that statement would have never come out of my mouth!  

I felt a little better with my decision made as I drove to the gym. Saw 2 runners out there, one which was arms up in the air trying to regain control and footing, and both which looked like they were having a miserable time -- looked like they were going backward running against the wind.  This might be the year where I actually buy myself a pair of Yak Trax to try... anyone use them?

Planned on 13k/8miles, and that's what I ran... yes, the whole way!  I've never run that long, or that far without walking so it was a pretty neat milestone! It was also my longest run since my injury and I feel fine, especially considering it's my 3rd day in a row!

I was 3 treadmills from the end of the row, close to the spinning room. At about 6 miles, boredom was starting to set in, but a spinning class had finished their warm up and were in the middle of what seemed to be a tough workout!  The instructor was obviously very into it and yelling quite loudly, and with her mic, was loud enough to get myself, and 4 others on the treadmill giggling.  We had a fairly good laugh, but I just imagined her on the sidelines of a race, pumping up the runners closing in on a finishing line to finish a race strong.

I'm now about 77k shy of meeting my original 1000k goal for 2008... it might be doable! (even if i don't, i'm still happy just being able to run considering the year i've had-- i'm not going to risk injuring myself just to meet the number...)

Have a great week everyone :)