And A Running We Shall Go

Well, I did it. I finally convinced my running partner to hit the street, so to say. We went out yesterday for our first outside run in many months. Oh the feeling of the wind in my hair… scratch that – I wear a hat….. Oh the feeling of the blood rushing through my body…… oh, that was a near heart attack. Um. How about this (for those of you who think running is FUN) we hit the road like a couple of ladies running to the blue light during the famous “blue light special”. Outta the gates at top speed – think cheetah chasing prey. This insane, unconscious idea was mostly likely a combination of excitement to finally be outside running and because it was so freaking cold if we did not get a move on we most likely would have frozen to death (In reality it was me who was cold. I’m a sissy.) After about 15 minutes of running at top, turtle speed we both practically hyperventilated and had to walk it out for a minute. It took about 20 minutes in to realize that we probably messed up not pacing ourselves right from the start. Especially since we are both not in top racing form. Alas, we sucked it up and continued on, patiently waiting for the other one to call “mercy” (which does not happen often because my running partner is a great runner and I am stubborn). Finished strong (still standing) and went the hell home to warm up the appendages. As soon as the hot water hit my cold, beet red arms in the shower I again wondered what the hell is fun about running and why I put myself through this. After my litany of curse words and having to turn the water to frigid, I started to feel good. Finally, this is what it’s all about…..the finish feel good. There is nothing like it. Side note: about six hours later I took a couple painful steps down the stairs. As soon as the old boy heard me cry out all he said was: “you went running”. Ah, thanks for the reminder dude. That’s why I can’t get down the stairs. Better re-think the “half-marathon in 20 days” training if just getting down the stairs is like an Ironman event.