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August 05, 2004
Running Blues
This week has been an interesting week in running, to say the least. I reluctantly rolled into Monday with a case of the running "blues" and seriously considered hanging up my shoes for the season and hiding. I ran the Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon on Sunday and posted my worst half time ever (certainly NOT a time that will help me dip under three hours). It was an awful race for many reasons, but most of all because it marked the first race that I truly wanted to drop out of. All I can remember is hoping that I would see my dog and my boyfriend out on the course so that I could run over to them, rip off my number and call it a day. But before the race even started, B. (the boyfriend) said, "I'll see you at the finish!" Right, I secretly thought. I convinved myself that he would navigate the course and meet me at certain mile markers. I was dead wrong.
Looking back, I am happy that he did not magically show up anywhere - I don't think I would have forgiven myself if I had dropped it. Needless to say, it was a death march to the finish and I was not a happy camper. I ran an 8 minute mile from 10 to 11 and that was the only thing that got the wheels turning again. I finally accepted the fact that I was going to have to finish so I decided to finish strong...and my next mile was sub 7. But that still doesn't make up for the fact that I gave up after mile 5. It was weird - almost like a slow motion movie - I watched all these people stride past me and I had no reaction at all. I felt like a spectator, just enjoying the view and whispering to myself, "I'm glad I'm not out there running!"
I need redemption.
Which brings me to this week.
Posted by bridget at August 5, 2004 10:28 PM