Today I had my first long run of my training season. With races coming up every month this year (my goal for 2020), I ended out 2019 with a 7 week streak and set myself a solid base. Now I’m increasing distance.
Today was beautiful. Locals thought it was chilly but in a singlet and shorts, I hit St Charles Ave and put in the miles. Lungs are finally clearing up following my halloween bout of flu. Foot fall is solid on the forefoot. Posture was overall good.
I treated myself to a new race belt that I’ll need to break in before my first race of the year in a couple weeks. I’m sure I’m due for new shoes too. I always love when folks say “running is free.” Hah, not if you’re doing it right! However, it is the most freeing activity around.
Now, I’m sleepy and hungry and finding that somehow food doesn’t manifest in my bed just by thinking it. Also, now I’m building up a lovely little community of friends in my new home and as none of them are runners, I don’t think they understand what long run days can mean:
- Often it means (for me), that my entire day is dedicated both to the run and recovery. It’s a great time for me to reconnect to myself and to stay quiet, even if I’m still on the socials.
- It shouldn’t be preceded by a night of Tully shots and beers but hey, I’m a social creature and enjoyed my Friday night greatly. Plus making new friends is the best.
- It means that many of my conversations will tend towards pace, form, distances, and races. The brain gets really wrapped up in all things running and that’s not a bad thing. I promise I’ll still talk anyone’s ear off about our local music and food scenes too.
- I will try to get people to come run with me. We runners really are kind of a cult but you know, the healthy kind. There’s no koolaid involved. We entice with promises of better health and beers after the fact. We follow through too.
So now, in my exhaustion, I must extricate myself from a prone position and go to my kitchen.
