Monday, August 23, 2010

Did I Just Enjoy That?

89 Days To Go
89 Days until D-Day and I think I may have turned a corner. In previous posts I've expressed my love/hate relationship with running. Well, this past week we (we meaning me and my alter running-ego) turned a corner. This was my second week in a row that I ran my long run solo. That's right, I was minus the little monkey and my awkward signature one-arm stroller stride. This is a new experience for me since Hubs is now home and the solo mission is now an option. Despite having to overcome the challenge of 'Where do I put my cell phone and water?' the runs have been incredibly enjoyable. And at the end of the runs, I feel like I could do it again. Yep, you heard me right. I have a bit of arrogant confidence that I might just be morphing... dare I say it, into a runner.
Okay, don't worry. I'm not trying to get all crazy. I'm just saying that I never gave myself enough credit for the strain pushing 40lbs. really had on me. It's an energy-zapper! Since finishing my long run yesterday and taking today off to stretch and strengthen, I am finding myself actually anxious to get out there and tackle my next big run. I've come to the realization that from here forward, it is full speed ahead...and I am looking forward to it.
Highlight of Last Week: Need I say it? Turning the corner and feeling like I MUST/WANT/NEED to run.
Lesson of Last Week: I need to find some gear to pack a water with me on my solo runs...taking suggestions?
Power Song of Last Week: I was introduced to this one from a fellow blog buddy, Jen, Defying Gravity by Idina Menzel. It's a song from the show "Wicked" - and is a great inspirational blast when pounding the pavement. Be sure to download the Dance Mix for a upbeat pace picker-upper.

5 comments:

jennifer said...

Awesome awesome awesome. You're such an inspiration-I'm glad that you're coming to enjoy your runs. I'm not quite there yet, although I have had a few moments where things just sort of came together and birds started singing! This post gives me hope.
And I'm SO glad you like that song!

Goose said...

Depending on the length of your long runs you can toss water bottles along your route. For real long runs (10m+) I us/bring GUpacks. But, anything less, I purchase a cheap case of water. The day before I plan out my route and toss my water strategically on the road (by a bridge, tucked behind a sign, etc.). That way when you get to the water, if it is still sealed it hasn't been tampered with. If it's gone, it didn't cost a lot of money and you'll have some water at your next stop. Then I just pick them all up (in the car) after my run. I HATE carrying things with me while I run so this works well for me.

Glad you're finding your groove! Kudos!

Amy said...

Glad your running is going so well! I hate carrying water, too, so one of the things I try to do is plan my route to pass a water fountain. I use a Spibelt to hold my cell phone and key.

Beth said...

I use one of these:
http://www.nathansports.com/files/imagecache/product_full_photo/files/prod_photos/nathan10_sprint.jpg
It is a small handheld water bottle...does not hold a lot of water but it is small enough and is so easy to take on long runs!
Beth

Andrea Leigh said...

Thank you all for the suggestions! I have some Google homework ahead and some water hiding spots to scope out on my next run. I am very excited I am moving into the next level (if you will) where I need some "official" gear and runner-to-runner advice. Thanks again for the help.