Every now and then, I cry after I run. It happens less frequently now but, there was a time when post-run sobs were as predictable as tight calves. One or two sweat-stained tears would seem to bubble up and out of my lungs, choking the pace of breath I'd been controlling over several miles of running. I'd spent the entire time running while managing aches, pains, fatigue, boredom and doubt. Then, I'd realize the finish line was near and let loose the cork. Once, I nearly hyperventilated during my first half-marathon because the sobs rocked my breathing. I'm gonna have to dedicate some time to talk about tears this summer since I'm going to be training for several events. Tears will certainly be a part of the program. Today, I just might cry because it's so beautiful outside....

Wanted: Running Priest

With the exception of perhaps 2 Saturdays throughout the entire Winter, I've managed to get out there and slog out the long run every week. The missed days were due to medical issues so I didn't count them as chinks in the resolve armor.It seems, as runners, we are always doubting our fitness, our motivation, our bodies. If you think runners are a bunch of fitness geeks who dribble dumbbells and knock out marathons just to make the rest of the world feel like they slept too late then I'm here to tell you that runners are, for the most part, a bunch of neurotics. Right now, for example, I'm sitting here blogging about my failure to run 10 miles in the snow and wind as penance for not running in the snow and wind. I feel compelled to explain myself and be forgiven. I think I need a running priest. Could someone direct me? "Confession and absolution followed by a half-Mary and you shall be forgiven, my child!"

Lay down your burden and put on some shorts! It's sort of Spring!

The dreaded winter gear-laden runs are almost behind me. Time to freshen up the trai ning blog and buy a few new pairs of shorts. Yes, it's over 40 degrees! The blog is prepping for the Spring races. Please stand by....

Up to $740! Thanks everyone!

Thanks so much to the following folks who've put me past the 40 percent mark on my goal!

Lionel Miles

Donna Carberry

Eugenia Elliott

Laura Anderson

Sean Donovan
Kathy Kirby

Jon Pattee

Laurel Boger

Thomas Valenti

Different Worlds

Yesterday, was the first of two 20 mile training runs. Typically, this is the longest run you have before the marathon. Some training programs will only have one 20 miler but we have two. This is mainly due to to having a number of overachievers in my group looking for qualifying times for Boston. Their running goals are a far cry from mine. As runners, we are in different worlds but a schedule is a schedule. 6- minute milers and 15-minute milers alike have to log their pre-marathon twenty.

This distance is supposed to prep you for marathon conditions. In many ways, it is very much like a marathon just without medals or cheering. You get bored, break down, hit walls, stop for snacks, go to the bathroom, talk about food and ,sometimes, get religion.

My running partner and I decided to make an 5:00 AM start which would put us an hour ahead of the group. This meant my day began at 3:45. I got up, had my power bar and a swallow of espresso before grabbing my bag of supplies and heading out into the darkness.

Salt!
We ended up scoring a lucky parking spot right in front of the start marker so, after a discussion about safety, we decided to take off onto moonlit path. We had over an hour of lonely work interrupted only by the occasional sight of the rare runner or cyclist. The full moon, dominating the city skyline to the west of the path, was a beautiful but unsettling reminder that we were somehow trespassers on the wrong side of day. I was more than a little ghost-story-scared. Shadow-jumping-scared. I-don't-like-the-look-of-that-biker-scared.

And then, shortly after the 6 mile mark, the sky puffed out a little pink haze in the east. By the time we made it to the 8 mile water station, the sun was pulling itself into a cloud hanging over a misty Lake Michigan. Buildings were interwoven with fog and shimmering haze. But it was light. It felt as if we had run straight from a nightmare into the dawn. For a good 2 miles, I was giddy. I still had 2 packets of GU,6 packs of salt and was halfway through the big run. The fear and darkness were quite literally several miles behind us. We were in a different world.

Gu!

What they don't tell you

Sweat is kind of a big deal in running. But it makes trouble. It wets your socks, clothes, and skin. You are pounding down the streets, grinding skin, clothes and sweat all over the place. Salt tidal patterns form on your arms and legs. You chafe. Blister. Bleed.

My favorite running shirt has the phrase "Toenails are for wimps" on it. We runners like to talk tough about things like toenail loss. Losing the toenail isn't half as bad as the pain which PRECEDES it. By the time the toenail actually falls off you are well rid of it.

Sometimes, in spite of avoiding cotton socks, greasing up your hooves and wearing the right shoes, you get the inevitable blood blister. Saving the toenail is only an option if you decide to drill a needle through the nail to release the pressure. Yeah, a little bit medieval, ain't it? I'm pretty lucky really. I may even be able to keep this one. Or part of it.

October 12th I'm getting a pedicure.

Thank you! Pledges so far.....$490!

I'm just a below average runner but my fundraising skills are the WORST! Thanks so much for the following people who have pledged so far. I have done very little in the way of parties, bake sales, company solicitations. Just a few random tweets and facebook page posts. These folks are making me look like less of a slacker:
Donna Carberry
Eugenia Elliott
Laura Anderson
Sean Donovan
Kathy Kirby
Jon Pattee
Laurel Boger

http://www.cff.org/LWC/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?idEvent=10556&idUser=321431