Nothing for granted

Recently I've been hampered with a lingering cough.  I thought I was on the road to recovery and had a decent 9 mile run prior to our cruise this past weekend.  My idea was to squeeze in one last run and then take a break while on the get-a-way.  On the cruise track, eleven laps = 1 mile.  A million laps around a tiny track-not my idea of a good time;)  Seems eerily familiar to treadmill running.  As you may surmise, I am not a fan of the hamster-wheel/treadmill.  I will run on a treadmill as a last resort but prefer an open road or trail!  It is too easy for me to just hop off the treadmill, versus if I run two miles away from home, I have to run (or walk, but I have no patience for that) two miles to get back.  Forced motivation, along with a sense of adventure awaits an outdoor run!

So, as intended I chilled out on the cruise.  No running, but we did use the track for some mini boot camp workouts (thank you Cherry).  On the last day we were going to run a few laps to warm up but the wind nearly blew us off the ship so we stuck to jumping jacks and jump rope.  

We had a great time on the cruise!  We read books and watched the sunset every night. We ate and napped whenever the mood struck.  We enjoyed the dance show and live bands. We took an excursion to "Isla de Passíon" which was amazing.  The water was crystal clear and a gorgeous green. Blue Lagoon drinks and ocean hammocks made the day fly!  We also met a cool couple from our area.  And the catamaran ride back was one big dance party.

Oh yeah, back to my throat tickler... I felt a little lethargic on the cruise and definitely not near the 110% I like to represent whether work or play.  After the Passion Island party my cough returned with a vengeance--not happy.  I tried to write it off to too much sun and drink; however, my allergies had other ideas.  The cold did not interfere with our good time cruise but the new virus did wreck havoc on my psyche.  I had something flu-ish in March and then bronchitis in April and now another viral attack-WTH!!!  Back on the mainland my goal was to run long in training for the Pinellas Trail Challenge (PTC).  I could not believe I was sick AGAIN.  

I wallowed around in pity for a few days but it was time to lift the mental and physical fog. I began to barter with myself.  I would appreciate every run in the future no matter the heat, the distance, the loneliness--as long as I could breathe without coughing or feeling blah.   I was forced to rest but I told myself, I will come back stronger.  I came to realize, you cannot take anything for granted.  I started to feel gratitude for the health I have, for the ability to run, for work, for my amazing soul mate and wonderful friends and family.

I was still a little bit shaky yesterday but totally stir crazy.  There was a slight breeze and some clouds so I decided to test out my legs and lungs.  I took a swig of Tylenol cold medicine and was out the door.  My legs fell into rhythm and my breathing was ok.  I tried not to assess everything and just enjoy the freedom and spirit of the run.  The 3 miles went by too fast but the spirit carried on throughout my day.  My body and mind celebrated this little accomplishment. I felt alive and back to my usual self.  

Sometimes a low brings out a high.  Not the "runner's high"... speaking of--topic for another blog~

Journey on friends!

Shadow Runner

Sunday night was a tough run.  Surprisingly not physically tough, but mentally.  This past weekend was the start of back to back runs in preparation for the Pinellas Trail Challenge (as I will lovingly now refer to as the PTC;).  Not to be confused with the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail - 2,663 miles) which Cheryl Strayed (portrayed by Reese Witherspoon) hikes a portion of in the movie Wild.

Small side note about the Pinellas Trail and then back to why the run was challenging... while researching when the Courtney Campbell Causeway trail will officially open on the Pinellas side-see blog post from Saturday as to why this was on my mind (June 19th for those wondering);  I discovered an "under construction" map of the Pinellas Trail.  I knew additions to the trail were under way but I was unaware of of the scale of the project.  New trail appendages along the east side of the Pinellas peninsula will connect the recent East/West add on to the current North/South trail creating a loop of the county.  Once the loop is complete, the trail will total 74.9 miles (seriously, wouldn't you add 0.1 and make it 75?).  I am so happy we are running the PTC now, hahaha~  Here's a map of the new county loop.

Anyway, back to Sunday's run.  I was tired from 18 holes of golf (plug for Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Course--Mother's Day discount!) and tired from 10 miles on Saturday and not ready for the weekend to end!  I was hoping to nap and recharge, but could not sleep.  So I laced up my shoes and grabbed my freshly charged iPod;)

The temperature was still in the 80's at 6:30pm but it did not feel near as hot as Saturday--there was a wonderful breeze and no direct sun overhead.  I decided on a quick 5 mile out and back to the Safety Harbor Pier.  We are very lucky this amazing gem is just 2.5 miles from our house!  It's not the most scenic route until you arrive at the Pier but I wanted simple and mind numbing.  As mentioned earlier, I was tired and my legs felt heavy.  I started moving my legs and began the mental Arnold Schwarzenegger "Terminator" type bodily assessment that seems to happen without thought.  I was feeling ok; however, as my scan moved from head to toe, my knee appeared on my mental monitor flashing red.  This I must confess was due to a ridiculous American Ninja Warrior move I tried to execute on the last hole of golf.  Let's just say I'm no longer 20 or 30 for that matter and should not jump small tributaries in a single bound.

Anyway, as I was jogging along with the scan complete, my mind started wander.  I was missing our friends which also double as running/up for anything partners.  I used to love running solo but the longer I've run the more I crave company (even if silent).  I know that may sound odd, but knowing someone is with you can make or break a run.  You know if you're tired, they are tired.  You are hot and they are looking for shade with you.  They have aches and pains which makes you feel good if you don't currently hurt or allows you to share and discuss resting strategies you will never follow through on;)  Or you run along together quietly and then open up like chatter boxes once the run is done to rehash the experience-good, bad, ugly!

It was the solo run Saturday and now again Sunday that had me feeling lonely.  Although there were plenty of cars buzzing past me and my music kicking, the road ahead seemed desolate.  It was then that my shadow caught my eye.  It seemed to jump out at me to say, "Hey, you are not alone".  Stride for stride my shadow matched pace and kept me moving forward.  She was my silent companion and perfect partner to push me to my destination.  Instead of counting my steps and checking my watch, I was gliding along fully engaged in the run.

Before I realized, I was looking at the water and it was gorgeous.  A beautiful, clear night, serene water and the landscape of Tampa looming in the background.  Lots of people were out and about enjoying the evening with their moms.  I reminisced about a fun filled day with my soul mate and mother-in-law.  Along with memories of my recent trip home and valuable time with my mom, sister, niece and nephew.  The impressions filled me with love and appreciation.

I took one last look at the water and headed home.  My shadow was now gone but the intimacy remained.

photo credit: Running shadow via photopin (license)

Losing yourself in the run...

Today was my first long run in a long time, and I have definitely missed it!  I was not sure of my route until I started driving towards Safety Harbor.  I was going to run a typical course along Bayshore Boulevard, when I remembered the new Courtney Campbell Causeway trail.  Now instead of the usual path, I was heading out on a new adventure!  This novelty made 10 miles seem way more exciting:)  I was curious of the distance to the new trail so here was an excuse to map it out.

I was off... my legs felt ok which I was happy to discover after a tough leg workout Friday night (another, it's been a long time since I've done 100 squats, lunges, ring jumps, etc.).  There was a slight breeze and shade in the first part and my mind was free.  Before I knew it I was at the Causeway, only a mile and a half from my start (Del Oro Park).  My guess was two miles so I was fairly close in my estimate.

Just steps onto the new trail, I encountered a police officer guarding the barricades at the entrance to the pathway. Some bikers were also on the path and we were all told the course was closed (didn't we see the barricades, duh!#$%).

I'm not sharing my internal monologue but as you may guess, I was extremely disappointed.  My excitement and expectations were crushed.  I turned around and headed back towards the Safety Harbor Pier.

I immediately began that "running math" we runners love so much in order to recalculate the distance back to the start and then how far north to hit my target.  Interrupting my computations were cranky thoughts about the police officer raining on my parade.  I tried to let it go and then finally just gave in and let it out... unfortunately I wasted a few miles in a gloomy disposition until a butterfly caught my eye.  It was a big butterfly, mostly black with yellow spots. The butterfly totally busted me out of my mood and brought me back.  She flew with me for about a half mile and set my heart at ease.

I then saw a male and a female cardinal hanging out in a tree--I envisioned young love.  Several crows flew overhead, perched and squawked at me.  Crows always have something to say to me so I engaged them in some conversation. Next, came views of Tampa Bay, as the brush along the water was perfectly trimmed for eye level observation. It was a gorgeous day and the Causeway cluster was long forgotten.

I ran into Philippe Park and hit my turnaround point--yay! My legs were starting to feel heavy and it seemed much hotter than the 78 degrees when I started.


Mentally there is something wonderful about a turnaround/halfway spot and I tried to focus on that happy thought and put one foot in front of the other.

I did notice a breeze which was not there on the way into the park, plus sights of kayaks on the water and before I knew it I was a mile closer to some AC.

I stopped for ice cold water at the Safety Harbor Pier and started a gel to get me through the last 3 miles.  I don't recall much of anything until my iPod announced "low battery".  It was hot,  I just ticked off mile #8 and I thought--if my iPod dies, I die.  A tad dramatic, I know--blame the heat!  My predicament brought back memories of Wendy's iPod dying at the Marine Corp. Marathon.  Quick recap--Wendy's first every marathon, music is her lifeline, iPod quit at at mile 13, she was passed by a girl with a cast on her foot at mile 20, prayed for a sniper to strike at 22, blisters on both feet exploded around mile 25, body covered head to toe in salt at 26.2--SHE DID IT (video of her "sprinting" through the finish line on file;)!  All these visuals flooded my brain and my pace quickened!

The next mile is a blur, although I did look for gators at the little park before my turn.  One more mile to go and there's shade but also a slight incline (my knees and hips cried).  I haven't seen anyone else running since mile 4 and a guy pops onto the trail all fresh with a spring in his step.  I had just stopped for a last swig of water and probably looked fresh out of battle.  Oh well, someone to follow and swipe some energy from... mile 10 beeps on my Garmin.

I stop, walk and start to think what a crazy, unexpected run.  Good times!

To workout or rest, that is the question?!

Well here it goes... my first blog post and it's not about running (directly), ha!  This entry is about the dreaded "rest" day.  My wife jokingly said last night, "why don't you take a rest day today?".  Sounds so easy, but oh so hard!  Why?  Why is it difficult to relax and do nothing in the form of exercise?  Maybe it's the idea of doing nothing when in actuality I know I will do something just not my usual physical release.  Maybe my mind plays tricks with me--self doubts creep in, work problems cloud my mind--who am I... what's my purpose... these thoughts fill my head when I'm not drowning myself in sweat!  Just the word "rest" sends shivers down my spine--rationale is out the window.  I know my body needs to recharge, I know I will rise up stronger the next day, I know I won't gain 10 pounds overnight, I know I won't lose any conditioning.  Yet the psychological demon exists.  A rest day is a true test of mental toughness.  Hmmmmmmm, have I stumbled upon an understanding?!  The struggle to rest is really an exercise in mental strengthening. Therefore, I'm not really resting but powering up my brain for the long, hot runs ahead and the inevitable mind games.  Bring it on summer:)