Running Week

My marathon is just two months away.  In other words, I'm in the phase of my training where I'm either getting really burned out or really learning to become an efficient distance runner.  Thankfully, this time around, it's the latter.

Spring may be the time of the year for new beginnings, but with the arrival of Fall and its cooler temps and crisp morning greetings, I feel rejuvenated, alive and in the best shape of my life.  This week has been filled with Adventure, Setback, Excitement, Exhilaration, Joy and Laughter.

Adventure

The week started off with a crazy 17-mile run in pouring rain, thunder and lightning.  Thanks to my ever-faithful running crew, we all made it together.  Running in a pitch-dark wooded neighborhood as torrential rain continually doused us, one of the runners in my group summed it up best as she proclaimed, 'this is where my husband doesn't understand me!'   We all silently snickered as we trudged upward on a steep and slippery hill because we get it and we get each other.

Frustration

I woke up Tuesday morning to horrible stomach cramps and completely lacking energy.  I listened to my body and obeyed its message.  No running for two days!  That was hard, but I needed it.

Excitement

 

I found out Wednesday that I was one of three winners of this cute shirt, thanks to the wonderful ladies over at Run Like a Mother blog, I won this cool Oiselle technical running shirt for describing my inner beast. I love this blog!

I also came home Wednesday to the arrival my mid-season training running shoes. There is nothing better than a fresh pair of shoes for a early morning run.

Exhilaration

The rest and cooler temps did my body well.  Thursday's schedule called for a tempo run.  I just kept feeling faster and faster.  I finished my 6.4 mile route in my swiftest time ever.  This was such tremendous validation for all my hard work!

Joy

For the first time in many, many months, I broke out my running tights! Yes, I actually was okay to cover up part of my appendages without dying of heat or without sweating profusely.

AND....I officially bought my entry into the White Rock Marathon.  Best $100 I spent this week!

Laughter

Finally, what is a week without a good pooping Crazy Legs story?  As I approached an intersection, I could see his Shaggyish silhouette ahead of me and although I considered changing routes, I decided that passing him shouldn't scare him too badly.  I briskly ran past only to feel a sudden jolt of flailing awkwardness maneuver a swift re-pass.  He flashed by, made a clean pass on my right and then sprinted up my favorite hill.  He took a sharp left into a parking lot and just like that...Crazy Legs was gone again.