Three

My weight continues to drop, starting today at 172.8. If I, no, when I slide under the 170 mark and bounce between 165 and 170 as opposed to 170 and 175 the times are going to improve significantly with the same exertion. But it is harder to do than say after the carb-depleting trek of a typical 18-24 miles. Then I just want to eat a quarter-gallon of ice cream with a Hershey bar chaser. Sure, objectively it’s a self-deprecating experience but in the partaking it is a cool refreshing refill of calcium, fat and sugars to be stored for later. However, I am confident when I naturally dip into a lower better-running-weight range (even though I am already down 27 lbs. from a year ago), I will look back at these eating habits with a torqued facial expression saying, “You were a mess.”

Time = 2:27:29, Distance = 12.36 miles, Pace = 11:56

This morning has started out with this pattern – run one mile, walk a short distance, stop and stretch, then run the next mile. The first five were totally on pavement and the remainder on grass. And then it finally happened, at mile 10 the hamstring released like melted butter. Both legs felt magically happy again but it wasn’t 100% smooth-sailing as the left calf started to tighten during the last two miles. Without hesitation or fear, I just pushed harder, right into the pain, and the watch echoed/rewarded a sub-12 minute pace when going through mile eleven and twelve. That’s enough for now, more later.

Time = 2:27:29, Distance = 12.36 miles, Pace = 11:56

Same day. Run #2. The starting weight is a light 170.8. Starting in daylight (@ 8:34 a.m.) was a nice change of scenery, everything is so green. And the running was rather enjoyable, well, until while my gaze was taking in the sunlit scenery the upper left sleeve of The Jacket (my current favorite running accessory) was ripped by a protruding wire when running along a fence line. Arghhhh! At least my skin didn’t make contact. And the hole might be able to be patched, right?

Time = 1:48:24, Distance = 8.20 miles, Pace = 13:14

It is 6:33 p.m. and the legs, even more awkward the mind is ready for more. Determined to test this drive to its limit, I take to the beach in Sandbridge, VA. “Run all the distance on the sand until you have nothing left.” The temperature is a warm 75F but the winds are relentless at 17 mph. Knowing it will be difficult to gage the distance relative to effort, and conserve for more, I set the RunKeeper notifications to .5 miles. The coastline is anything but level right now, sloping right into the shore break. So I am engaged in a weaving pattern up and down the mini-ramps…until the first mile passes. Then I test this drive even more by cresting a few dunes. Three and a half miles later, I still haven’t felt the need to stretch and the sand is so forgiving on the joints my body just continues to plod forward, surprisingly with minimal effort. And then a soft sunset casts a distinctly pink hue onto a vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eyes can see. It is so relaxing, a true metaphor of the steps in this third and final run of the day.

Time = 1:15:09, Distance = 5.96 miles, Pace = 12:37