Sunday, November 16, 2008

"THAT guy"

Remember, a few years ago, before you were serious about running and fitness? Remember coming home from shopping or eating in late fall or winter, still early in the evening but dark, and seeing some nut running down a dark road with maybe a blinky light and some reflective gear on? "What is wrong with those idiots," I'm sure I said more than once. "I hope it's worth it to risk your life for a stupid run!"

Yeah, I was that guy tonight. Couldn't put together the run yesterday or this morning, so this evening it had to be, even though Chris and his lovely wife and family were coming over for pizza and beers. The road was dark - dark like sitting in a closet at night with the light off - and I thought a couple of times I might get hit or turn an ankle on rail lines. I could almost hear people calling me an idiot. I FELT like an idiot! But, I knocked out 17 miles (or 17.1, per Garmin) and am almost back on track for marathon training. To that end, I gotta ask...

What the heck is wrong with the Greeks? A marathon is a STUPID idea!! I mean, I love their food and they did a lot of cool stuff for the world with science and philosophy advancements, but running 26.2 miles? And not running from anything that might eat/disembowel/set aflame/boil the runner? Why? I'll tell you what: I'll go get some metal from Home Depot and make a stupid medal, then string it on the most magnificent ribbon you've ever seen. WAY better!

Anyway, the training continues. I'm observing my increase-at-LEAST-10%-in-mileage-per-week rule, which I only recommend for idiots like myself. Wednesday was 13 miles, nothing until today, and then 17 miles. I'll shoot for 20 later this week. If I can do 20-22, I can do 26.2 as long as I keep the nutrition going.

Hope you all had a great weekend! Ours was busy (no surprise) and Grace tested our patience (no, really!!), but tomorrow it's back to the salt mines for me. Boo hoo.

11 comments:

teacherwoman said...

Geez! I was starting to wonder where the heck you've been! Marathon? Crazy.

Jess said...

Yeah, if only the distance from Marathon to Athens was a more manageable distance, like 10 miles, we'd all be happier!

Best of luck as you continue to train for your marathon!

aggiedad77 said...

That P.F. Chang thing may be on my radar screen soon...I've got to get my ass over the Memphis Marathon in December first tho. Those long runs are a killer, especially when it is so cold in the mornings like it was here this weekend. I ran in the afternoon and hated fighting so much traffic, now I remember why I run in the early mornings.

Marcy said...

You know, I'm going to do that! Roll into Home Depot and make my own medals :P Screw this running shiz LOL

Unknown said...

"What the heck is wrong with the Greeks? A marathon is a STUPID idea!!"
------------
At least the Greeks were smart enough to only do it once. We Americans thought it would be a great idea to turn it into a sport. Wild. Still, I'm glad they did. Nice job with the night run!

Wes said...

We could have a long list of stupid things we do :-) You are going to rock the marathon!! Woo hoo!!

sunshine said...

When I run at night my imagination always gets the best of me and I'm sure there's an animal in the bushes just waiting to attack! :) Glad you made it back safely! Whoo Hoo for training. :)

Gotta Run..... said...

I bet ebay sells marathon metals. LOL!!! It is a lot to go through but the feeling at the end is priceless!! Trust me. Well don't trust me... I just ran 54 miles in one freakign day. I am the one that needs my head checked out.

A said...

Wow! You're kicking butt! I can't wait to see the medal you earn ... whether you have to make it yourself or not! Hee hee

Carolina John said...

i think it's supposed to be increase no more than 10% per week. not at least 10%. Still, i've been that guy too over the weekend.

J~Mom said...

We already knew you were THAT GUY!!!