Still Running

I know I haven’t written much about running lately. But, I’m still running (and probably still crazy), making me on track for my marathon goal. Here are a few random tidbits about things related to my running… 1) I spent an insane amount of money on three pairs of special running socks. I’d tell you how much, but I know my Dad is reading this, and he’d probably choke on his coffee. And frankly, I might, too, just by remembering it. 2) I randomly started drinking a “Juicy Juice” juice box before my runs, and I’ll probably keep doing this since it seems to be working for me. It would probably make more sense to drink a real sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade, but Juicy Juice suits me since I’m more kid than athlete anyway. (Besides, if we’re really talking about “making sense,” I’d give up the marathon altogether, and reclaim my seat on the couch next to the rest of the non-athletes.) 3) The running path on base where I run actually crosses over an active taxiway, which caused me a little anxiety at first. (I was worried enough about getting run over by a car, let alone a military jet!) Yet, I’ve avoided all collisions with airplanes and cars, and I’m liking the path. 4) My mom pointed out that my marathon training schedule starts in June. (I knew that.) In the summer. (Oh no.) In a state with one of the hottest climates in the country. (Oh crap!) I’m not sure how I made such an oversight, but she didn’t hold back: “Tootie, that’s nuts!” Once again, Mom is always right. I’ll be sure to remember that when I’m cursing myself and I melt into a puddle of sweat on the sidewalk this summer. 5) I’ve learned that Chinese take-out is never, under any circumstances, a good pre-running meal. I know what you’re thinking. “Was she actually stupid enough to eat Chinese food before running?” The answer, sadly, is yes. If I owned a fortune cookie factory, I’d make sure that this warning was placed somewhere on the fortune (maybe near the lucky lotto numbers): “For your safety and well-being, do not attempt to run after eating this meal.” Besides the run that followed my Chinese meal (hereby known as “the run of shame”), I’m really started to get more comfortable with my runs. I like my new routines (even the juicy juice and expensive socks), and I like how I feel physically and mentally recharged after each run. It’s enough to make me glad that I started this crazy marathon business. I know that I have more adventures ahead with running. I just hope none of them involve an untimely run-in (no pun intended) with a military aircraft.