11 miles down!
I’ve started training for the NJ marathon. I pulled a tried and true training program off the internet, began Tuesday with a five-mile run with Linda. I forgot how cold it is at 5:30 in the morning but dressing in layers helps. I ran Wednesday morning, Thursday night, took Friday off. I texted Linda last night to firm up plans for a long run this morning. She was in, we’d meet at 7:30 at my house.
I checked the weather on my laptop before walking out the front door – 12 degrees, feels like 1 degree. We ran down to the corner, turned right and headed out on a route we’ve run many times. The goal was eleven miles, a distance I haven’t tackled since the Labor Day 20K road race in September. I wasn’t sure I could do, had included that point in my text to Linda, but she assured me we’d go easy.
We ran along familiar streets: Whitney, Millbrook, Ridge Road, Orange Street, Prospect. We hit a biting headwind on our way back, northbound from New Haven. At times, especially on the hills, I slowed, the wind threatening to push me back. I pulled my hat down over my ears, my gator up around my neck and soldiered on.
We did it! We ran eleven miles, slow. My pace was close to 10:00, I’m sure Linda could have run faster but she hung with me. In the past I would have been disappointed with my run, my pace. But that was then, this is now, and I’m able to put it in perspective; I’ve been running a couple of days a week for the past three or four months. This morning marked this week’s fourth run with another planned for tomorrow. My sore legs and slightly achy back have carried me twenty-five miles so far with another six in the pipeline. For years, my baseline mileage would have totaled more than the distance I’ll run this week. Before last Tuesday my baseline was close to zero. It’s humbling if I compare me, then, to me, now. But, as I eat humble pie I think it’s the best I’ve ever tasted.
Anyone else ever turn a humbling experience into a positive one?
You deserve to eat the pie and than same more. Doing a great job of running especially in this cold. Keep it up, very proud of you. Love Auntie
Thanks Auntie. I can only go up from here (I hope), right!
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Great job, Geralyn! I’m so proud of you. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us. You’re truly an inspiration. 🙂
Thanks Jill, appreciate your comment. Feeling tired but good for my first week. Hope your runs are going well too. 🙂
Brava!! See if you can get that state’s governor to join you. 🙂
Now that would be a good photo op! 🙂
hey Ger
I was only able to run a total of 8 miles this week but I feel victorious! Slow positive steps from wherever you are starting! Love you
Couldn’t agree with you more, Sue. Love you too!
great to have a friend to carry us along those doubtful times ! congrats on your goal- does this make #14?
HI B, This will be #15 if I finish. Hope you didn’t freeze in Chicago!
Runner, I am not! But I take my hat of to you, your courage and discipline! Onward.
Thanks so much! Feeling good now that my first week of training is behind me.