Two Great Runs in Two Days
Tuesday I missed track practice out of pure laziness and the migraine from the pits of hell. Seriously, I was about ready to put my head under the wheel of my car and let the brake go to stop the intense pounding! Eric was so sweet to let me take a nap when he came home and I was all better. After I had some dinner, I went to the gym and did 400 meter repeats with two minutes recovery in between. I did not feel like going to the gym, but speed work always gets me in the mood. I found myself running at incredible speeds (for me anyhow!). I was keeping consistent between 8:57 pace and 9:04 pace. I was really feeling good.
Yesterday, I had some complaints from my shin splint. I went to the bay for a 30-ish minute run, while Allie and Eric wandered around the bay, playing on the playground. I had butterflies because I was afraid my shin was going to be bothering me. I did feel a bit of discomfort off and on. I tried to correct my form and found that to solve the problem.
The path I run is not very pretty for the first 3/4 of a mile, then, the path turns and leads you out to Sail Bay. As I turned the corner, I saw a lovely sunset, with slight clouds; it was beautiful. I continued on and felt my pace picking up. I looked down at my Garmin: pace 9:28. Holy Moses (see, I am trying to curb my cursing), I am flying! I decided to slow it down some, for fear I would not be able to match the pace on the way back. It as supposed to be an easy run, but my legs and breath would not comply.
My intent was to run 15 minutes out and head back in, which should have been about 1.5 miles out. When I got to the 1.5 mile marker, I still had some time to spare, so I decided to keep going to the 1.75 mile marker, and get a drink at the water fountain there. I could not believe how fast I was going (for me) and how good I felt all over. The way back far surpassed the exhilaration of the first half. The last quarter of a mile, I kicked it up and finished strong.
I was so into the cheesy music I had on my IPod and so caught up in it. I was thinking while I was running how grateful I am that passers-by could not hear my peculiar playlist, for fear of ridicule. Here is a sample:
Milkshake, by Kelis (Yes, I know, how utterly shameful, really)
Sexy Back, by Justin Timberlake
Smile Like You Mean It, by the Killers
Where is My Mind, by the Pixies
I Ran, by Flock of Seagulls
Undone (The Sweater Song), by Weezer
Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani
Toxicity, by System of a Down
Running With the Devil, by Van Halen
See, crazy list. I still had a blast though. I was the only one on the bay that knew I was listening to a wacky playlist.
If I keep enjoying running this much, this might become a trend.
Hi Laura,
Thank you so much for that nice and encouraging comment on my site. I really appreciate it.
I wish I had the stamina to run like you do.:-)
We all have been given different talents and combined, we are part of the body of Christ!
Should you ever like a drawing, let me know!
God bless you.
God’s Grace.
I’m not at all surprised you’re picking up the pace. You were smokin’ on Sunday’s run. That is a crazy playlist, but I can see where it would put pep in your step.
Can’t say they’re my favorites either – but I do love music… glad you had a good time regardless
Oh God, I got tired just listening about your routine, I run 50 steps and I’m out of breath. Can you say out of shape.
Came here via Blog Explosion and had to comment on your playlist. There’s some great tunes in there, and some that are so bad they’re good. This music snob approves.
I think your playlist is perfect for running! The way you describe running it makes me want to try! I am so not a runner. And I have a bummed foot at the moment. Grrr sorry that is my frustration that I am changing my lifestyle and get the bummed foot now!
I am glad your runs were so amazing!
Hi La,
I haven’t forgotten you or the fact that I want to get in shape and asked for your help. I have been lazy though and a bit in a funk lately. Nathan is back in school and I am still out of work. Just me and Olivia now.
I just come across this poem and thought you may like it.
Today’s Recommended Poet
New Mexico poet Jimmy Santiago Baca has been to hell and came back a talented and inspirational poet. A runaway and criminal as a youth, he turned his life around and dedicated himself to poetry. His poetry mixes an appreciation of the southwest with a meditative spirituality.
Here is an excerpt from the poem I Send Prayers Out, from the book Spring Poems Along the Rio Grande.
At 5:30 I rise to run
In the cool pools of shade and light
No flies, no gnats,
Hand-sized carp glimmering lime-green
Along the river,
I send prayers out
To all the powers that be,
Because it is spring,
For the joy of jogging past
Red berry bushes,
Buoyant twigs agitated with amber sparrows
Skipping thorny twig to thorny twig—
With war in my eyes,
Peace in my Mechica heart,
I Run.
Anyway, I hope that you and Eric have a wondeful mini vacation and enjoy eachother immensely.