The Jingle Bell Run banners are up! Festively stretched over Green Street, they are a signal of the fast approaching running cheer that will materialize in just 13 days in the form of bundled up runners.
Thirteen days is not very long time. Thirteen days means I have only 13 days left to make sure I've got it down; to run without stopping, to FINISH without walking, to pass the finish line and not be the last person. There's probably no pushing in races, so that means I can't push anyone down to avoid myself from being last.
Instead of panicking about the short distance there is from now until the race, I will instead consider what setting provides me with the most effective run.
For the most part, I run in three different settings: at the gym, with Lisa or by myself outside. Running alone outside produces my worst runs. I feel like I run out of energy too soon. It's my fault; I have trouble maintaining a set pace. I go fast! And then I tire out too soon and trudge along without even any energy to grumble to myself about being tired. When I get to that point, I'm sure I look awful; running at a pace that is slower than my normal walk, arms dangling listlessly at my side, I'm sure my eyes are glazed over too…but at least I'm still running!! When I get to that point, that's my mantra, at least I'm still running.
At the gym, my issue with keeping a consistent pace is a non-issue. I set my speed and away I go! I would say gym runs are very effective for me. Downside: they are boring.
I feel like I do the best when I run with Lisa. I have the camaraderie of a fellow runner. I understand why fitness magazines recommend a buddy to work out with; it's like getting a coffee together or going shopping, but instead, we're running together. Since Lisa is also on pace patrol, my runs with her are always something I'm proud of. "Watch your pace" is like a lifeline for me. Even though we pretty much run in silence (talking takes away the air we need for running) we hold each other accountable for our run.
Running with Carlos and the group was a challenge for me, I wanted to stop and die on someone's front lawn on more than one occasion. Even so, I'm looking forward to it again this Sunday. Until then, when Lisa and I "train" together this week and up until the race, we will be running the Jingle Bell route. I know that we will be a success on race day!
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2 comments:
You know what the other good thing about running together is? When we see weird/funny things we can comment on it! Sometimes when I run by myself I see weird things and I'm like "No one else is here for to see this with me." (or, sometimes I trip and fall and no one else is there to see that, either!) So, it's nice to run with someone and say, "Wow, that was weird."
well we had our last official practice run and you guys did great. No one died :) and i think some of you had fun.
Cant wait until Sunday.
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME.
See you Sunday
Carlos
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