9 + 1 =
10!! That’s right… 10! That’s how many miles were on the training schedule… TEN!! I know that I am planning in just 3 short weeks to complete 13 miles, but the concept of 10 miles just feels monumental.
I am blessed to have access to a beautiful bike path. There are points along the way where I feel transported out of Long Island and to a world with no traffic! There are wild flowers and swamps, thickets of trees and lakes. There is one spot along the path that someone has turned a little bluff into a beautiful garden sanctuary. Running this path has changed my run. I actually enjoy it more.
Last week I deviated from my running schedule. On Saturday I conquered the 9 miles, but there was a lot of walking and a lot of wishing the miles away. I was happy when I was done and I was happy with my overall time. Then on Sunday was the Zombie Race. During the zombie experience I had an epic gravity failure that had me imitating superman down the side of a muddy hill. Thankfully I wasn’t seriously injured besides the bruised ego. At the end of the day I was proudly sporting scrapes and scratches and the promise of some grotesque bruises, but I felt good. A little ice on my bum knee, a cold beer and I’ll be on my way… Or so I thought.
By Tuesday morning I could put no weight on my right foot. My middle toe was very red and angry and swollen. My toe nail was black and crack 3/4ths of the way down. I couldn’t help but gaze upon the toe with pride while I painfully attempted a shoe and sock. The voice of reason stopped me and when office hours rolled around I was on the phone with the podiatrist.
With most of the nail removed and a promise of quick pain relief to come I hobbled home. Instead on Wednesday I was greater by continued pain an it was too late to cancel my appointment with Frank the trainer.. Bring on a boxing session with no shoes on!!!
Friday was the first day I could get a sock and shoe on my foot. This made me terrified of Saturday’s run. I had to just have faith that my 5 days off would be to a benefit.
I was blessed to have incredible weather on Saturday, 68 and partly sunny. This weather makes it easy to settle into a run. My three favorite boys dropped me at the trail head and I started off strong with an easy pace. The boys meet between the 1 and 2 mile mark to wave an watch mommy go by. I know that between mile 2 and 3 are two of the 5 uphill climbs on the route and they flew by with little notice. Continuing strong past the three mile mark I pushed off fueling as I was still in good shape. Miles 4, 5, and 6 passed almost as easily and when I hit the biggest hill of the whole route, I pushed to the top and kept going. This was the first time that I hadn’t needed a walk at the top of this very steep overpass. I was beginning to start to struggle and keep myself from walking and between miles 7 and 8 my hip started to complain. I was able to pull back the pace a little until and get comfortable again. I knew as I got towards the end that I would have to do some doubling back to get the 10th mile in. At 9.1 I was surprised by my boys running towards me! I love when they find me on the trail because it gives me such a boost! Ben was so excited to run with me that he made it half a mile! The last half mile was the hardest steps of the entire route. My tank was empty and my motivation was sapped… but… I finished it! All 10 miles! And my reward….. and ice bath!
I think more important that the running this week was the decision that I have made to turn this run into a fundraiser. I will be running to benefit the children of Variety Child Learning Center. Please check out the info!
