Making Up For Lost Time

Home improvements left my running schedule about 32 miles behind schedule for the week- yikes! And I was itching to get out and release some energy. Of course, it took a work trip to get me away from the many tasks left to do at home, and free to run, run, run! This week took me to Ontario, CA and I was fortunate enough to have two coworkers who shared my passion for running. I spent nearly the entire flight talking of running, traveling, and amazing biographies. By the time we landed in Ontario, I really couldn't wait to put on my running shoes, and I had two people with which to conquer 1/4 of my days' miles! That never happens. How lucky was I?!

We all ran about an 8 minute mile pace which worked out great except that when I start a long run, I usually am slow to get up to pace. However, our pacer (damn Garmins anyway) ensured that we would start and maintain the 8 minute mile pace. This is a struggle for us slow starters and I worried that it would destroy my ability to run the full 20. But by mile 4, I was well into the groove, and my two companions were starting to peter out. Ha! Not that I'm competitive or anything like that :)

At mile 6, I lost my two running partners. I made a quick mental plan to minimize a headwind, and try to run by a convenience store around mile 14. The day was sunny and mild- a perfect day to sight see via the Asics! All was going well, but the stopping and starting for all the traffic lights was taking its toll on me (or was it the lack of any running the prior 5 days???) I made a brilliant move around mile 12 and turned to head toward the mountains. And duh, there I was met with the longest gradual incline one could find- not exactly what I needed on this particular run. And where were all the gas stations? Does everyone in California drive a fuel efficient car??? Oh the joy I felt at seeing those green and red colors of the 7-Eleven. I quickly made my selection (though no Garmin told me my official stop/start time) and paid the cashier with singles I pulled out of a plastic baggie. My total was $2.18. Darn. You know what that means- coins, lots of coins. So I gulped my drink, which had striking similarity to college beer drinking techniques. Then I jingled away from the 7-Eleven. At this point I was following the designated bike route. I'm not sure where I came upon the route, but about 3 miles down the road when the bike route suddenly turned into a dirt shoulder on a narrow 2 lane road, I figured there was no explaining the random-ness of their bike path beginnings and endings. Now I was heading directly into the wind for my final 3 miles and I was pooped. Pride was taking over, and because my coworkers knew my goal was 20 miles, I had to make it at least 20, just for self-respect! "Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts... like what? How come I can't think of anything? Why is my knee hurting- I don't even have a single injury! Shame on me for installing a new toilet over going for my daily run. And how dare I paint baseboards in lieu of a workout. Shannon, get your priorities straight! I remember seeing a Baskin Robbins earlier- yes, run for Baskin Robbins!" These are real conversations I had with myself that afternoon! And at 20 miles, I happily walked myself to the Baskin Robbins and ordered a double peanut butter and chocolate and one big water and topped it all off with a big dose of endorphins! Heaven!