This has been a tough week. My shoulder, although healing, is still dicey. My 800’s went well until I did my tempo run and restrained my hamstrings to the point where I didn’t think today’s long run would even happen. The kids have have been under the weather, one with chest congestion the other with a runny nose.
Yesterday I was sure I was coming down with something. And the forecast called for 5″ of snow today. To be frank, I’m tired. Tired of this whole thing. The crappy weather, the touchy hamstrings, flu bugs and various sundry germs, I want to be done with all of it. I wish Boston were here right now so I could simply get it over with. The prospect of a protracted rest period has considerable appeal.
This morning, somehow feeling miraculously better, I decided to attempt my long run, prepared to cut it short at the first hints of hamstring protest. The goal was simply to remember why I love to run. I decided to focus on LPE and go at whatever pace “felt” like race pace, be that 9:00, 9:30, whatever. No pressure. I needed to rediscover the simple joy of running.
It was 36 degrees and falling when I got out, black clouds moving in. I could smell the rain. Super-windy as usual, seemingly coming from all directions. The first crystals of frozen rain hit me at 2.5 miles. By 3 miles I was the beneficiary of a full-on pelting. I soldiered on, hoping my labored battle into the wind would somehow compensate for the lack of significant hills.
The hamstrings did protest but not so loudly that I needed to alter my course. I got it done a little slow but done all the same and that’s what counts. 2 weeks til Boston now. The Marathon shoes are out of the box. The heavy lifting is done. I just have to coast it on in.
Make the most of every day
