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May 13, 2006
This Entry is about Running
Lest I scare away my small but faithful reading audience, I'll conclude for the meantime my ramblings about my recent entry into half-orphandom, and return to writing about running. I can't promise I won't digress (or progress?) towards those topics again, though, as it's difficult to avoid thinking about that which is now central to my life.
With reference to running, I'm massively out of shape. I spent about 12 days at sea level. In that time, I rarely exercised. I experienced tremendous mental stress. I didn't eat enough. I averaged about 4 to 5 hours of sleep each night. I spent all of my time managing logisitcs and taking care of those around me. In short, I took poor care of myself while trying to do my best for others. Now it's time to focus on all of the things that make me feel healthy.
Yesterday, I ran 6 miles yesterday on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. The temperature was over 70 degrees and the breeze was nil. I ran on the black cinders of the Gardiner railroad bed trail. It felt hot. This was my first attempt since I've been running again to run something more than an easy run. I did 1.5 miles easy, 3 miles steady, and 1.5 miles easy. 3 miles of steady running up here at elevation, in a little heat? Good lord, I thought I would die! But I got through it, shaky-legged and all.
Usually, when you're out of shape, you've been there a while. You know what out of shape feels like, and you've almost forgotten what being in good shape feels like. For me, I know I was very recently in decent shape. I can closely recall how easy and good it all felt. I know I haven't lost that fitness permanently. I'm aware that if I continue to eat well, get long nights of sleep, and run consistently, it will come back as quickly as I lost it.
Sadly, I've now missed 2 races I was planning to run. 2 weeks ago, I was registering for a race when I got the bad news. I'm missing a race today as well, deciding not to go because I don't feel much like a good runner at the moment.
Posted by Meghan at May 13, 2006 11:16 AM
Comments
Meghan, your concern for scaring off readers is understandable. Nonetheless, in all its digressions and progressions, I think your blog is a real privilege to read. So thank-you. Big thank-you. Don't know how to make it any bigger in writing, apart from writing BIG or B I G. Or
B
I
G
A REALLY BIG THANK-YOU. How's that :) ??
Losing fitness is almost impossible unless you abuse yourself in a BIG way. Doesn't look like that happened. You will be surprised how some experiences will end up making you extremely strong, fit and durable in ways that are not immediately recognizable...
I had a great running weekend, like pure bliss, but I am not going to harp on it as I have read too many people far too wet out there on the other side of the Atlantic! bests corrado
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at May 15, 2006 2:46 AM
corrado hit it on the head. it is a privaledge to read your blog, meghan. your last couple entries have been very honest, deep and touching and it's a rare pleasure to be able to take part in that with you.
as far as running? 12 days is a short amount of time to recover from. you'll be back to your superfit self in no time.
Posted by: jeff at May 15, 2006 9:57 AM