February 6, 2008 - 3:15pm -

66 degrees -

wore: tank top, spors bra, white workout capris -

Distance 3.2 miles -

post-run weight 121 lbs.

I am about to do my first real run in over two weeks, and my first mileage run ever. I am scared shitless. As in terrified. As in, I'm being totally honest here in saying how shitlessly terrified I am. I know that, logically, this distance will be nothing to me in another couple of weeks or so. In fact, I may have already run something close to it in previous training. I'm still scared. But I have to go out today. I have to. I just have to. I am staring at my running clothes and the new socks I've picked out for luck. It's the warmest weather I've run in, and I'm trying to figure out how to dress so I don't overheat. I'm not equipped for heat and rain...all this is so new to me. The 20 degree rule says that if it's 66 degrees outside, then my body thinks it's 86 degrees.


Exciting, though. Exciting.



After the run:

Okay, so that was not my studliest excursion, but I did it. With lots of walking and stops and starts, I did it. With every step, I reminded myself that I was making myself stronger, my heart stronger, my legs, my soul. I listened to my body and respected the time off I took. Most importantly - I went out and did it.


Back in the saddle, Baybee!


I started out with a mild headache, which abated in less than a mile. Things were stop and go for a while, and then went to that smooth sailing feeling where it seems like you can just run forever. Then the cramps set in - stomach, back, and the back of the right knee that likes to kick in every now and again. That one seems to be the distal attachment of semi-tendinosus - just proximal to the pes anserine attachment. And the top of the media gastrocnemius. Gotta look into remedying that.


I will definitely be focusing in these next few weeks on getting to a very comfortable place with my shorter runs - I can't believe I'm going to be attempting that 5 mile run on Saturday, even with the time off. I can do it, though. I know I can.


Must add that the extent of my de-trainng had as much to do with mental training as physical training. I could feel myself struggling to remember those little tricks that keep me going. I could feel those techniques coming back to me out of the haze. Gotta give a quick re-read to the Marathon Rookie book and check on some motivation and mental imagery sites.