Today's Training Run 8-17-07

TGIF!!

Today was one of those runs that I didn't really want to do, and it didn't really fit in my schedule, but with the race coming up a week from tomorrow, it just needed to get done. Even though I reached my goal for the day (12 min run x 1 min walk x 3), it just didn't feel that great or exhilarating at any point...not bad, just not great...no runner's high today.

But I think that's why I "get" running some days...like anything, my job, my marriage, my life as a parent, there are a few high days, a few low days, but most of the days are just there...just getting done what needs to get done whether it feels all that rewarding or not. Like those other parts of my life, running is a long-term habit, not just a short-term thrill, and the long-term rewards (increased endurance, fitness, great calf muscles, whatever) are happening each time I live up to my commitment to run, whether I see "Improvement" with a capital "I" that day or not.

Anyway, after the running goal was done I kept walking on my route till I got to the 3-mile mark, just out of curiosity to see how I'd do. Today's time: 3 miles in 46 minutes. No land speed records, but at least they probably won't turn the clock off before I'm done. I feel better about next Saturday...like it's not a totally stupid thing for me to do.

I never thought I was entering to be "competitive" against anyone else...I've really only been training for about a month, as I'm not counting the fits and starts I had before. I'm not fast (15 minute mile) and I've never been in the race atmosphere before, so I'm sure there will be lots of things I don't know and things I find confusing on race day. Here we come to yet another reason I run...I can compete against myself. I am determined to enjoy next Saturday's race...the scenery will be beautiful, the weather and temperature should be great (8 am start!), and it's my first 5K, which is a milestone that I'll never have again. I am determined not to worry about the clock, or where I finish...I just want to finish, and have that "I did it" feeling.

Having said that, I had a little bit left in the tank tonight but chose to walk to the 3-mile point so I wouldn't over-train...but if it had been race day I think I could have made it to 3 miles in under 45 minutes. =)