Today was a Saturday (I know, I just spread the most unbelievable facts and information to my readers). Remember, a Saturday marks to major things in this new world of mine. And yes, I am still trying to figure out whether this 'new world' is the land of long distance running....or just crazyland. It's clearly one of the two anyway.
Okay, Saturday. Saturday is, nine times out of ten, fundraising day. Generally, I have a few hours off in the day, and Jeff has the weekend off (usually), so Saturday is a good day to run events. Saturday is also long distance run day.
So, let me paint you the picture.
This morning I woke up at 7am to start getting everything together for our 3rd car wash. Jeff didn't move until half an hour before we were due at the gas station - but that is irrelevant :)
Anyway, for those of you who don't know, today was like 40 degrees. Best weather we have had yet, without a doubt. We pulled out our old 'Topless Car Wash' signs (we wash the bottom for $3, top included for $4 more), grabbed some helpful friends and family, and went to town. We were out there from 9:30-4pm (a very long and hot day), but had one of the best washes yet.
Not many stupid people this time, in fact, a lot of very nice people! And a lot of great cars - from Cadillacs to Corvettes (p.s.....I brought in the Corvette). Jeff, as well as some of our volunteers (Erin!) got honks, whistles, and maybe even a few phone numbers.
But what really matters is at the end of the day, we came home with $389! That's almost $200 over our goal for the day.
Man did that feel amazing. But boy, did we also feel hot. Hot, tired, sweaty. Lucky for us, we have two friends with a pool (we love you Sam and Skyler!). So, Jeff and I, along with our two hot and sweaty friends/volunteers, Bob and Andrea, grabbed some burgers and bbq food and ran over to Sam and Sky's for a well-deserved get together.
This is the problem with training for a marathon, especially when training crosses through summer, and big runs happen on weekends. I want to have a beer on the patio with my friends!!!! But that run is always in the back of my head.
So once the sun ducked behind the houses, Jeff and I made our way home so I could do my 'long distance' run. A reminder - this is week 2 of training, so I was scheduled for a 50 minute run, the longest time I have ever run in my life ever ever ever ever.
I was scared. And I was tired and hot and seriously trying to figure out a way to skip it so we could go back to the bbq and have a beer instead.
I laced up my shoes, threw on my sports bra, and was amazed to hear Jeff volunteer to bike beside me without so much as a pouty lip from me.
Once again, it was getting dark already, so Jeff took me out on the street. I want to tell you so badly the loop that I did, because I am crazy proud, so if you think to ask me - I will tell you! All I know is while I was running, I had 100% no pain.
Well, that's an exaggeration actually. My first two reps I had a breathing cramp and shin pain, but after the first 500m I was fine. Now, as I said to Jeff, the distance runs are about finishing the distance, not about the speed you travel at. So I started my pace nice and slow and comfortable to get me through - just 2 and 1's tonight.
Before I knew it, we were already at the half way mark. Already at 25 minutes. I was shaking my head - this is impossible! I don't hurt, I'm not gasping for air, and I'm even able to hold a conversation with Jeff (I thought that talking while running was a running myth).
As we were nearing the final turn for home, Jeff even had me take a different turn, because I was doing so well, I would be home well before my time was up.
I will play the last minute over in my head for....I'd like to say a long time, but next week there will be another moment, realistically speaking. "Alright honey, one minute left, I want to see you push it" - and I easily move into long, bounding strides. Then from behind "30 SECONDS!!". I can see the point where I started and I want so badly to reach it before my time is up - so I sprint.
Seriously. No word of a lie. I have been running for 49 minutes and 30 seconds, longer than ever in my life, and I am sprinting.
Ladies and gentlemen, tonight I ran 5.4km, the longest distance I have ever run. I ran it in 50 minutes, the longest time I have ever run. And I did it at a nice, easy pace, but already better than last week - a 15 minute mile. And, most importantly, I did it all after a long day washing cars for 7 hours in 40 degree heat.
I am in just as much shock as you, but beyond the shock, I am absolutely ecstatic. Tomorrow's 40 minute run will be a piece of cake.
Hmm. I miss cake.
1 comment:
I can't believe you managed to run after the long hot day we all had at the car wash! Larry and I did groceries (Amy was too hot and tired to go with us...and she's a lot younger than any of us!) Anyway, we did groceries, made supper and that was it. I had a head ache, sore feet and a slight sunburn. I crawled into bed and lost myself in a good book.
That you managed to go out and run is AMAZING!!!! Not only to run but to do so well is great! Congratulations! Keep up the training and we'll see you at the next fundraiser.
Post a Comment