Sunday, March 9, 2008

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.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

hi - this post cracked me up. i can relate in a way - my dad used to run marathons and has special socks, shorts, shoes, tops, sweat bands, drink bottles... you name it! lol re the chinese food... yuck! thanks for visiting my blog... i'm enjoying yours so far - now going to nosy around some more! blessings, fireball at One Passion... One Devotion...

Britni said...

Okay it's official- your post just inspired me to get back into running. I've taken way too long of a break, and I love all the things about running (other than the actual running part). Thanks!!

Mike Fox said...

I also can relate to many of these items :-)

I hope you were running outside after that Chinese meal. I once had to do a run on the treadmill at the gym one morning due to bad weather after eating Mexican food the night before. I took a treadmill in the corner where no one else was, but people kept hopping on treadmills close to me...poor souls.

kelly said...

loved this! i'm a runner too, in the loosest sense of the word, so it was fun to hear some of your thoughts and advice.

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to hear how you progress toward your marathon goal! I think I'll probably save mine for next fall, but who knows, I might start training this summer too!

Anonymous said...

My hubbie is doing the Rome marathon this Sunday! I applaud you both and secretly think you're nuts behind your back. Keep us updated on your training!

wendy said...

Good job not getting hit by a jet on your run! the joy of running on base!

Last year I bought two pairs of extremely expensive running socks. and then I lost them. Now I have one of each (blue and white) and even though they don't match they are really nice on my feet...