I had been training for another half marathon. Once you get into the longer runs during training, it can get really difficult to schedule time to complete them. Long runs usually last between and two and two and half hours. Last time around I accomplished this by going very early on Sunday morning. That way I’d still be back around breakfast time with the kids and have plenty of time to recover before work the next day. This half marathon training I was a bit more lax in my training methods and dedication. I found myself getting close to the half marathon and not really willing to wake up early or run at night or pretty much anytime that wasn’t totally convenient for me unless I began to feel desperately worried about not completing it, then I would run at the most inconvenient times for everyone.
Here I was a few weeks away from the race day and needing to complete 10 miles (2 hours) and pick up the kids early from school for doctor’s appointments. Why not leave work a couple of hours earlier than necessary so I can run on the levy for my 10 miles? I set out around 11 on a Tuesday. Immediately I was a little uncomfortable because there is a high homeless presence on the levy, but there were also school groups and desperate casino patrons milling about, so I pressed on. About two miles in I realized that I was the only person out and I would soon by running by the dead presidents streets. About two and a half miles in I saw a lone hooded male walking along the trees on the levy, but what was I going to do, turn around? He was still there either way and I might offend him if I suddenly stopped and turned around. So on I went. I passed two more lone men wearing big hooded coats* in 65 degree weather. Finally I reached the end of the paved lane at LSU where there was a young college guy just setting out, so I stuck with him back to downtown and then finished my last five miles on the treadmill at the Y.
By the end I was exhausted and thrilled to be finished. If you can imagine for a minute what your body would feel like after running 10 miles, it will make sense why this next oversight on my part was so absolutely ridiculous. So running 10 miles is not something a body wants to do, especially in the state that most moderately well off Americans are. Walking after running 10 miles feels like walking through waist high water. Standing up from sitting feels like you are holding an extra hundred pounds on your shoulders. Your skin feels like it is vibrating and your brain is buzzing from the mental and physical effort you’ve just expended. At this point I’m running pretty close to the time I need to get the kids checked out from school before I have to wait for carpool. So off I go to the locker room to grab my towel and shower shoes. I open my locker and think my bag feels awfully light. Hmmm… no towel. NO TOWEL?! Seriously? No towel. I contemplate my options. Dry off with my sweaty clothes or use the paper towels by the sink. I choose paper towels though they have the absorbency of a sheet of paper. I had to bring my nice work clothes into the shower with me to get dressed, since I had no towel to walk to my locker with. Whatever. I did it. Ten miles complete and three more to go to run the half marathon.
The obstacles never got any easier and really who trains for a half marathon during the holidays anyway? I never completed my run. In fact I never got beyond 10 miles. I’d like to say that now I’m all super pumped to continue my training and run in February, but I’m still undecided. Running takes a mental fortitude that I’m not sure I can muster up again. I guess we will just have to wait and see.
*Jay Z told Terry Gross that they wear those big puffy coats to conceal drugs and weapons. I no longer trust anyone wearing baggy clothes.
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