Tuesday, November 11, 2014

What do you think about when you run?


Today, I was reading my friend Marcia's blog post and decided to link up Jill and Jessica  (aka The Fit Dish) for this one...because my runs are always so reflective! People who follow me know that my blog is personal, really, an online diary. And that's because they are a direct reflection of things I think about when I run. Sometimes, I don't think about much. Sometimes, I just run.

Today I ran 6 miles. I wanted to get it in before the cold front blew in, ushering in Polar Vortex v2.0. It was a gloomy morning, and I put on a bright orange shirt. I don't know about you, but dressing in bright colors just makes me feel better. It was 52 degrees and even though the weatherman said the temperature was going to drop, I put on capris, figuring it was probably the last time I'd wear those for a while!

I headed down the frontage road into the gray, gloomy morning. The pavement and sidewalk were still dry, and I felt LUCKY that I dodged the rain.

My first mile felt tough. As I turned down the sidewalk along the busy suburban arterial road, my legs started to loosen up and I began to fly. I felt GRATEFUL for my renewed speed.

I headed back into my neighborhood and ran on the streets. I approached another runner and felt COMPETITIVE as I passed her. I hate that, but I can't help myself. Do other runners do this? I also WONDERED who she was. Don't all runners know each other? Apparently not...


As I headed up a big hill, I felt my glutes kick in and literally push me up the hill without any extra effort. I felt AMAZED at this. I sent a silent thank you to Becky, my trainer, too.

I was now running into the wind. Ooooh...I felt COLD as the wind whipped through me. I'm so not ready for winter! Are we ever?

Moving into mile 3, one of my favorite running songs came on. I started to sing and felt JOYFUL because my laryngitis was gone. Of course I looked around to see if anyone was around who could hear me. Because I don't want to be known as the crazy lady who sings when she runs.



Running along another busy suburban arterial, I tripped over a crack in the sidewalk and felt CLUMSY as I regained my stride and balance. Whew! Didn't fall! RELIEF!

My watch beeped at mile 4 and I saw an 8:17 min/mile pace! Woo hoo! I felt FAST!

Then I ran back into the wind. Ugh. Cold. I hate this. Brrrr. The wind made me push hard. I felt SLOW!

I ran down my friend's street. Passed her house. I've called her multiple times to meet for lunch, and she keeps giving me excuses why she can't get together. Is it me? I felt SAD. I kept moving and ran up the little hill, past the woman who used to watch my boys when they were little. I saw parents dropping off their little ones. I wondered how she's doing. She's a grandma now! I felt NOSTALGIC.

Finally, heading home. I saw the guy who walks his old dog. He was moving oh, so slow. And waved. He's always out there, year round, when I run. I wondered what he thinks when he sees me. We have never talked, but we always wave. That made me feel a little FUNNY.

When I got home, I checked my time. It was a fast run. 6.18 miles, 52:34 mins. I was SHOCKED and PLEASED. I felt ACCOMPLISHED.

And I made my own sunshine. What a great way to start the day!




20 comments :

  1. I love to wear bright colors and it makes me feel better too! I hear you about feeling competitive when approaching another runner, I'm like that at times too. :p Great run! Loved reading your post!

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    1. Thanks! I hate that I'm competitive like that...but it is what it is!

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  2. This is awesome, you got to experience ALL of those feelings while running at such a FAST pace! Sounds like a wonderful run to me!

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    1. It really was, and those endorphins carried me through a tough work day!

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  3. I always think the up front starters have nothing except the race. The look on their faces says it all.

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    1. Seriously! It's their job, so I guess they come, ready to play,

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  4. This post just sings to me. I love how you captured your run, explaining your thoughts, and the feelings they evoked. NICE. i felt like i was there with you! And, what a stud, creating your own sunshine! You are a rock star. Thanks so much for linking up, and i can't wait to read more. Take care! @theFitSwitch

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    1. Thank you for this awesome idea for a post! I loved the link up and finding your blog too! :)

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  5. Fantastic run, Wendy! I can totally relate to your experience yesterday; I got out early, as well, and then ended up right in the middle of the cold front blowing in. Looks like we're in for some cold temps for awhile, doesn't it? Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the run; love it!

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    1. I hoped for your sake that the cold temps wouldn't dip south but I hear it's going all the way to Texas. It's too early for this!

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  6. Well, it depends on the run. On my early morning training runs...usually absolutely nothing. Occasionally, I'll think about my schedule for the day but most often I think my brain is still asleep. I start my thinking in the shower. In races, I do math calculations. LOL. I agree on the bright colors! Great run!

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    1. It was a great run! Sometimes, when life is good and I don't have heavy thoughts, is when I have the best runs!

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  7. What an awesome way to describe your run! I felt like I was running it! :-) What a great pace too! I love those kinds of runs! Makes the "bad" days seem so insignificant when we have such awesome running days. Maybe I should focus more on how I'm feeling, rather than feeding my random thoughts. haha

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    1. Thanks! Every run is different..this was a really good, relaxed run.

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  8. Love that first quote! I think I have it pinned somewhere. You've been keeping up some speedy paces lately whatever you're thinking about is working for sure

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  9. What a great run. I think about a lot of things when I run, but never remember all those details. Impressive!

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    1. I run the same route in my neighborhood, and have for years...I think I could do it in my sleep! So i can focus on other things besides where I'm going.

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  10. I loved this :) Honestly, I don't think about anything. I take it as time that I can just zone out!

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