Something’s Gone missing …

Please be on the look out… for my legs… or more specifically for the muscles that comprise them… they were absent for class today!!

My, oh my, was that a rough run! I felt as though I was running on logs instead of legs the entire time. It was as though I didn’t have any muscles. Just logs. Not the heavy bricks-for-legs feeling that signifies dehydration. Logs. Except when I walked, then it seemed as though I had gummy legs with really big shoes. I kept envisioning Goofy, possibly a drunk Goofy, swinging his legs in front of him and plopping down his big feet. I don’t know why.

Weird. Rough. Done.

I alternated between frustration and hysterical laughter. I sang along with the music. Sometimes out loud. The highlight being around mile 16 when I thought I was all alone on the trail, singing loud and possibly off key and looked up and there was my friend. Oops!!

I had a ton of random thoughts while I was out there. Here is a sampling…

1 – I’m pretty sure I’m going to be the very last person in the marathon. You know the one that is followed by an emergency vehicle. I have a rule about being followed by the PoPo. It’s not allowed. Ever. I would hate to be followed by an Ambulance because I would be certain they were just itching for me to collapse. Therefore, I would like to be followed by firemen please. If anyone can make this happen, I’d be grateful.

2 – I loved being cheered on during my run! A couple of cyclists happened by at different points in my run and shouted my name! It was just cool!

3 – I reflected back to a 14 mile run where I suffered a very odd, very excruciating pain on the top of my foot. I woke the next morning and actually had a bruise. So bizarre. I told a friend, who told a friend, who told a friend, which resulted in an unexpected, very supportive phone call from a guy who runs like 700 miles a day. After sharing the incident with him, it turned out my shoe was tied too tight. Oops!

4 – People are so supportive. I always downgrade my successes by saying “well I walked a lot.” Turns out that really doesn’t matter to anyone but me. 20 miles impressive. Run. Walk. Whatever. It’s a long way.

5 – I am the only one who cares that I haven’t lost any weight during this training. Oddly I am the only reason I haven’t lost any weight during this training. Interesting. Very, very interesting.

6 – I stopped to take this picture. Just two little flowers hanging out in the pavement. Required getting the right angle so I wasn’t shadowing them. Oh and bending over. That hurts during a long run. A lot.

After I finally got the picture I wanted, I looked across the trail and there were thousands more. I just had to laugh!

7 – I love the support I get from those of you reading this! I blither on and on and on and you keep coming back for more! YOUR success stories motivate me! Keep ‘em coming!!

8 – I’m terrified I won’t make the finish line before they pack it up. Super terrified.

9 – I laugh that I keep saying I’m not going to sign up for anything more, then find myself committed to another event. It’s addicting.

10 – I’m really excited that my next “race” is totally different from anything else I have done! It’s a relay! I get to run 5 miles three times in a 30ish hour period. One run is guaranteed to be in the heat of the day and one in the black of night. Training for this race will be totally different!!

11 – I’m slightly bummed at the thought of not running Seattle this year. I can’t explain why, but Seattle has been my favorite race so far. With the trip to San Fran a month before for the Nike Women’s Half… it’s just a lot to cram into a short time, particularly money-wise.

12 – On my very last lap I had to stop and look at this…

Do you see him?

Here, let me zoom in…

The most determined dog ever. He had a goal and nothing was going to deter him. Not the really steep rough to the water. Not the swim out to the middle of the lake (or so it would seem to a dog). He was swift and determined. He got his prize. I shall be like the dog. Swift(ish) and determined. I want my medal!!

13 – I wonder what I will do with my Sunday mornings all summer. I mean without long runs… it’s almost a little sad to consider, actually.

14 – I have been beyond blessed with a wonderful training buddy. She pushes me and encourages me and tells me I’m being dumb when I am. She also credits me with motivating her, which blows my mind!

15 – I’m excited and scared and proud. I’m really looking forward to that finish line! Please, oh please don’t let them pack it up before I get there!!