Some things that make me laugh about RW

These are the kind of e-mails we recieve

"I’ve actually been doing this. It could not be simpler (see illustration link). And there’s some evidence it works.

Chair exercise for low back compression. http://bit.ly/9Z9cwz. I've been doing it. Feels good. Illustration here. http://bit.ly/9y6pAl

Amby Burfoot, Editor at Large
Runner's World Magazine"

Tavern Run..

The tavern was crowded and yet no one was drinking. In a few short moments, the large green group of us hoped to be racing. It was pouring outside as if God and the angels had decided to turn a pressure washer on the Earth. I had signed up for the St. Patrick’s Day theme 5k with a hope of a decent time and I could not really pass up a race that offered free beer at the end. It was a miserable day, I had stayed up way too late the night before watching NCAA track ( I am a track junkie, I watched over 14 hours this weekend) on my tiny computer screen and had forgotten about daylight savings time so my I felt a bit tired. Did I mention, it was pouring rain? As usual, I was dressed for a bit warmer weather.

I sat in the bar trying to scope out my competition, there were two women who looked particularly fit. The race director then shuffled us outside. I had learned from my last road race experience to line up in the front. I did next to a female runner that looked a bit like the current cover girl dressed in Nike. I soon realized that yet again looks mean nothing. The race started and I had left Nike girl before the first mile, well I think. There were no mile markers, there was head wind and hard rain so it was hard to judge my effort. I could feel my pace slow, midway through the race and I attempted to pick it up. I had been left in no man’s land with no one behind and the racers in front of me too far ahead. The race director had talked about a turn-around spot that I assumed was midway through but when I reached it and looked down on my watch it read 16:04. I was way off pace. I continued to run into the driving rain and on the hilly course. A large hill stood in my way, so I tucked in and went for it. I was very surprised to come over the hill and having to break tape. I was the first female and I had run a decent time, the turn around had come much later in the race.

The best part was the post race, free food and drink. I was slightly embarrassed to be congratulated. My time was ok (21:36) but that would have placed me midpack in the races I am use to racing. I have such a hard time just taking a compliment. It was the same time I had ran at conference which is a bit uplifting since I am midway through a half program and haven’t done much speedwork. I do not believe I will be racing a mile any time soon.  I was able to bring home a large plaque which I find slightly embarrassing. Hopefully, this summer with a bit more work the old PR of 20:40 will go down, I would love a 19.


As usual, I have no pictures just words.

Ah-Ha!

I am stressed out.

My best running friend is in Australia and that is not helping my state. I am trying to juggle school, internship, graduate school details and running. I will say that running is the most enjoyable part of my day. I sent e-mail to Nicky about living up to all the standards I put on myself.  Her response was;

“This is exactly like when you cried after you got a PR”

I could not help but laugh at this, she was right. I have these high standards for myself that I try so hard to live up to, that sometimes I do not realize all that I have accomplished.

I still have to finish an honors project, finish two more essays, and figure out how I am going to get Austin, Texas. You know what, I’ve made it this far and I can be proud of that.

Training is going well (though I am hating rest days. I just can't figure out why any plan would have two rest days. I guess my mileaholic side is coming through again). I just really need a good fitness indicator, I am longing for the track more and more lately. I even miss 400 meter repeats.

Saint Patty's day race this weekend! I am hoping for a fairly quick 5k.

Not disappearing..

News in general floats in and out of my mind quickly with maybe enough time for me to digest a few facts (what healthcare bill is getting passed, medal count for the winter Olympics and job loss). News that is important but not vital.


Then there are stories that shake me. My mind continues to come back to it; over and over. The murder of Chelsea King on a running trail outside San Diego is one of those stories.

She was beautiful, blonde, fair skinned cross-country runner for her high school team. She was senior who could not wait to graduate but was also looking forwards to prom. She was active in many clubs and charities. According to all those that knew her, she was upbeat, hard-working and caring.

Five years ago, I was ready to graduate from high school. I was narrowing my college choices down. I was looking for prom dresses and stressing about finding a date. I was very excited about my senior track season and was making sure to make it my best.

Much like Chelsea, I hit the trails at my local park. My parents knew where I was going and for how long. My training partners did not like to run in the winter, I went at it alone. I left my cell phone in my car; I had ruined many during run either due to sweat or dropping them. I put headphones in with loud music blasting. I felt invincible or like that Bob Seager song, I felt like a rock. I was as strong as I could be.

The difference between Chelsea and I was that I was lucky. There was never a sexual predator waiting around the corner for me.

I have become more careful since college. I try to run with a running partner at all times. I always call or text someone where I am running and how long. I make sure that they call me at a certain time to check that I’m ok. I carry my cellphone. I wear my road id. I listen to my music but not loudly.

I still make mistakes; I will rush out the door for a few more miles, alone and sometimes forgetting my cellphone. I will not make that phone call. I make it too easy for me to disappear.

Don’t let yourself disappear.

I’m buying pepper spray this weekend.