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| Is it midsummer already? |
I kind of totally forgot that it was this week. A few friends from work signed up to do the Midsummer Night Run series in Bryn Mawr. Series because there were three of them. I wanted to do it with them, but the first run fell on the day I got back from my honeymoon and after a full day of traveling there was no way that was happening. So I put the whole thing in the back of my mind because I was busy, you know, getting married and honeymooning in Europe.
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| Honeymoon! |
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| Walking through parks in Spain > running 5Ks |
When I got back and asked how their run went, they all kind of rolled their eyes. These are three people who sorta-kinda-run-but-not-really. Kind of like me! Apparently the other runners in this race are NOT kind of like me or my friends at work. They are, like, SERIOUS runners.
So serious are these runners that they felt the need to yell at my friends for going too slow. Well, I suppose they were yelling at them to move over to the side more if they were going to run slow. Still. Try yelling at me, runners, see what happens. Probably I'll just tell you to stop yelling and then maybe stay in front of you and slow down. Kind of like when someone on the highway is tailgating me.
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| Carry me to glory, or at least not humiliation, New Balances |
One of my co-workers found this experience so unpleasant that he opted out of the rest of the running series. I don't blame him. People that take things too seriously are no fun and a 5K should be a fun thing. It's just a little runner's club race! Lighten up, right?
A week or two ago, I offhandedly said maybe I should run in his place for this third and final run of the series. One of the girls thought that was a great idea and would not let me forget that I said it. Oh, you mean the race is this week? Aw, shucks, I totally forgot! Nope, none of that. Not only has she reminded me all week, she offered to go down early and pick up all the race packet stuff and try to even get me a t-shirt. How can you say no to such enthusiasm?
I guess that means tonight will be my first 5K. That's right, my first. I know I ran the 10-mile Broad Street Run just a few months ago, but that was my first race ever. I had been signed up for two 5Ks in the past, but didn't go to either. I wanted to! The Donor Dash in 2013 was supposed to be my first race, but then I got the chance to go to China, so I did that instead. I think I made the right choice. Then, in July of the same year, I was supposed to do the Electric Run. I was so excited! I got there early and was hanging out with my friends watching them set up the course. We queued at the starting line, waiting for them to let us go. Waiting. And waiting. And watching a storm roll in. And then, ironically, they cancelled the race due to lightning. Lightning. Cancelled the ELECTRIC Run. The fates were against me that year.
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| The Electric Run has nothing on China |
Tonight the weather seems like it should be perfect. I haven't run three miles since, well, I guess since the Broad Street Run! But I have done two miles recently and if I can do two, I can do three. Maybe not fast enough for those serious runners, but who gives a damn about them? I'm running my own race here, and I don't mind staying in the slow lane.
This is all for the better anyway, as I do have that pesky half marathon coming up in just over three months. Today should be a good litmus test for how much work I have yet to do. I'm going to guess... a lot.
Wish me luck! And, as always, share your experiences with us! I'm not the only one doing stuff. Anyone else doing any races this year? Or already done some? Or tell us how you would never do that not in a million years running sucks forget it! That's what I would have said a year or two ago. That's still what I say most days. But, I'll do the race anyway because if I can run my mouth I suppose I can run with my legs. Or collapse trying.
Running To-do:
- run a 5k!
- get a second pair of running sneakers so I can alternate
- make a running schedule and start pushing my long runs to be...longer
- research training tips for the half marathon
- make a running date with some of my runner friends who might be able to push me harder than I push myself
- eat healthier so I can fuel my runs better
- get a better headband to control my crazy frizzy hair
- stretch!
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| My very green breakfast smoothie |
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