Reflections & Realities

Over the past weekend, I completed the Ft. McHenry Tunnel 5k for Special Olympics.  This is a unique opportunity to go through the ~1.5 mile tunnel without a car.  I started off good, like usual, but on the return trip I fizzled big time.  As I struggled to finish the race, I promised myself that if I finished this race, I would never race again.  At that moment in time I meant every word I said.  This was of course right after I spent a fortune on new running shoes, but that didn't matter.  Those who I know told me I was being silly and to remember how well I did on the Back to Football race.  I could not be swayed, until today.

 

Maria recommended me for blog series called "Why I Run."  The blogger is interviewing runners who are inspirational to other runners.  Of course, I don't think I'm much of an inspiration, but what do I know.  The blogger sent me a series of questions and one of them got me to thinking.  She asked what my biggest accomplishment to date was.  For me, the actual act of running is my biggest accomplishment.  I stopped and thought back to when I first started running again.  I realized I could barely run for more than 15 or 20 seconds let alone go any sort of distance.  Just running across the street was extremely difficult.  I remember the frustration I felt and wondering what the heck I was thinking.  My left leg and foot did not want to cooperate and when they did, they were unbelievably stiff. It was such an awkward feeling and not very promising.  Fortunately, I had made a commitment to run the Kelly's St. Patrick's Day Shamrock 5k and whether or not I ran it, I was going to complete it.  Somehow I completed it and did even better than I thought I would. 

Maybe I have my expectations set a little high and that where I am currently is better than expected already.  I should remember where I started 9 short months ago.  I have basically retaught myself how to run and in the process strengthened my ankle and worked on my balance.  My goal is still to run a complete 3.1 miles with no walking breaks, but maybe I'll give myself a break.  I don't need to get there tomorrow and if I have a bad race, that's okay.  At least I am out and still running.  Several years ago, the physical therapists were advising I use a cane and even a walker for longer walks.  Not only am I not using them, I have surpassed their expectations by being able to walk and run those longer distances.

I guess I really am doing pretty good.  Thanks Maria, for helping me to realize just where I started and how far I have gone.  I can't guarantee I won't forget again, but it's nice to know that your friends have got your back.

Back to Football 2013

Last night was the Back to Football 5k and I actually broke through that 3rd mile wall.  Okay, maybe I didn't send it crashing down, but I definitely made a huge dent and at a minimum a small opening.  It didn't look promising since the start of the race began with a hill. The hill wasn't huge, but it was a hill none the less. Somehow I managed to keep going even when I started to tire.  Every now and again, I would pace myself with someone a little faster just to push myself along.  I also kept looking over my shoulder because in the past, Maria would sneak pass me and finish before me, even though I had been ahead of her the entire time.  I was not letting this happen again.  I actually ran the majority of the race with some intervals, but not as many as usual.  I felt good when I finished with my best time of 36.31 (11.46 per mile).  I actually enjoyed it, well as much as I can enjoy running that is.  

The surprise of the night was that the ladies got to meet the Sadist.  Although I talk about him, up until now he has been a mystery. Maria said he didn't look very happy, but I think that is his normal look. Initially I wasn't going to say anything, but they badgered me.  At least now they have a face to put to the name. I'm not sure if that is good or not. Only time will tell. Good thing he doesn't read this blog though. I would hate for him to know I may actually be enjoying myself.

I have another race in a few weeks.  I'll be interested in seeing if I can at least finish at a comparable time (or better), I would hate to think this was a fluke.  Again, time will tell.

It's Just Crying

Whoever said "women don't sweat, they perspire" never met me.  I sweat and not in a dewy kind of way.  I sweat buckets upon buckets.  It seems as if I am always sweating.  Each morning as I head to work, no matter the weather, by the time I get to the office I am a dripping mess.  It is disgusting.  I need a shower and new clothes once I get there.  It almost makes getting dressed up for work not worth it.  Why bother with makeup if it is just going to sweat itself right off? 

Post run (and walk to work) look. 

Of course when I am exercising it is even worse.  After a relatively mild workout I have come home with my clothes completely drenched from the inside out.  The feeling of it pouring from my scalp and running down my face makes me go "EWWWW."   One time, I was sweating so much, that I blinked my contacts right out of my eyes.  In the winter my cheeks becomme chapped in part due to my face being sweaty as I run and then they burn from same stuff that chaps them in the first place.  I can't seem to win. 



A little reminder
as to why I am sweating.

When I whine at torture the Sadist responds by saying, "Sweat is just the fat crying."  Why can't it be melting instead of crying?  For as much as I sweat, I'd be a size 2 and at least it would feel like I've gotten somewhere but no, it is just crying.  Doesn't fat know that crying doesn't get you anywhere?   If it has to cry, maybe it could try crying just a little less and a little more quietly.

On the flip side, I do like the feeling of having accomplished something, which you do when you have been working out and you are sweating.  I just wish it didn't have to be all drippy.  I'm not sure what would be better, but having the sweat roll down my chest and my back is just, well, icky.  I really need to find a better way to cool off.  This sweating is for the birds, except birds like other animals pant instead of sweating.  Hmm, I do that too, so how come I have to sweat as well.  Somehow that just doesn't seem fair.  :)