Training Log Archive: OrunnerIn the 1 days ending May 29, 2010:
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Saturday May 29, 2010 #
6 AM
Running 45:19 [3] 5.0 mi (9:04 / mi)
rhr:30 slept:5.5 weight:160lbs shoes: Wave Nirvana 3
5 Miles!
In my mind I am the 17 year old boy running 8 miles, every day after school, all winter long. In my mind I am the 30 year old that began again to Orienteer in the mid 80's. In my mind I am the middle-aged man that finally found fitness and nutrition in the early 90's. He was nearly always dissatisfied. He always wanted to do better. Second place was another form of losing.
Lauren and her mother pulled up next to me in the parking lot at Joyce Park at 6:27 A.M. I was holding the newspaper in my lap, watching an orange blaze near imperceptibly burn a hole through a blanket of fog lying over the ball-fields, prairie, and parking lot. I was tickled to see the pair at this hour.
I was committed to attempt five miles. Lauren and I talked, and she decided to try four. We took off South following the normal route along the bike path through the forest. It is beautiful. The sight of the trees, their height, and the open canopy draping overhead. The sounds of the birds, doing bird things, full of energy. And the river nearby, out of sight, but within ear shot. The feeling of the cool damp air, comfortable at this hour, but preparing to bring swelter to those who run later. The pleasant floral smells and the invisible clouds of pollen. All of our senses are entertained.
Lauren went out at a speed just beyond where I wanted to be, but within my grasp. I matched her stride, knowing that I may have to lay back. I was increasing my distance today. I did not want to stress the tissues on two planes at once. At the mile and a half, she broke away. I wondered if I had slowed, but that was not likely. Later she admitted she felt a need to be alone. How cute. She stopped at the fountain to remove her tee shirt. I ran through and took the lead.
I sensed a light twinge behind and above my left knee, and made a note. I adjusted my gate and stride a bit, and considered the possibility of shortening the run. The fog over the prairie was now a memory and the sun was demonstrating its intentions for the day. I remained coolish yet wiped my brow oft more than I wished.
The first four miles came and went without issue. I ran through the start at the fountain to do that final fifth mile loop; a half out and back again. A week ago, I knew the plan, but was questioning my design. But today I am pleased. the plan is working. I am getting stronger on all fronts. Tomorrow ends the first four weeks of real training in many years. It could all end in an inattentive moment, ignoring a simple signal. But I have hope. And today I remain happy.
8:59
8:42
8:59
9:17
9:22
In my mind I have always been and remain a runner. And I know it is true. Because it is the mind that IS the runner. The body is just dragged along.
In my mind I am the 17 year old boy running 8 miles, every day after school, all winter long. In my mind I am the 30 year old that began again to Orienteer in the mid 80's. In my mind I am the middle-aged man that finally found fitness and nutrition in the early 90's. He was nearly always dissatisfied. He always wanted to do better. Second place was another form of losing.
Lauren and her mother pulled up next to me in the parking lot at Joyce Park at 6:27 A.M. I was holding the newspaper in my lap, watching an orange blaze near imperceptibly burn a hole through a blanket of fog lying over the ball-fields, prairie, and parking lot. I was tickled to see the pair at this hour.
I was committed to attempt five miles. Lauren and I talked, and she decided to try four. We took off South following the normal route along the bike path through the forest. It is beautiful. The sight of the trees, their height, and the open canopy draping overhead. The sounds of the birds, doing bird things, full of energy. And the river nearby, out of sight, but within ear shot. The feeling of the cool damp air, comfortable at this hour, but preparing to bring swelter to those who run later. The pleasant floral smells and the invisible clouds of pollen. All of our senses are entertained.
Lauren went out at a speed just beyond where I wanted to be, but within my grasp. I matched her stride, knowing that I may have to lay back. I was increasing my distance today. I did not want to stress the tissues on two planes at once. At the mile and a half, she broke away. I wondered if I had slowed, but that was not likely. Later she admitted she felt a need to be alone. How cute. She stopped at the fountain to remove her tee shirt. I ran through and took the lead.
I sensed a light twinge behind and above my left knee, and made a note. I adjusted my gate and stride a bit, and considered the possibility of shortening the run. The fog over the prairie was now a memory and the sun was demonstrating its intentions for the day. I remained coolish yet wiped my brow oft more than I wished.
The first four miles came and went without issue. I ran through the start at the fountain to do that final fifth mile loop; a half out and back again. A week ago, I knew the plan, but was questioning my design. But today I am pleased. the plan is working. I am getting stronger on all fronts. Tomorrow ends the first four weeks of real training in many years. It could all end in an inattentive moment, ignoring a simple signal. But I have hope. And today I remain happy.
8:59
8:42
8:59
9:17
9:22
In my mind I have always been and remain a runner. And I know it is true. Because it is the mind that IS the runner. The body is just dragged along.