Rainy Saturday Run and Pool Run

Yesterday was a rainy gross day, and it even snowed (apparently Chicago didn't get the memo that it's APRIL). I had a dentist appointment at 10, which forced me to get up at 5:30 to get my run and pool run in. So, I trekked to the Y, arriving before it actually opened, and circled the track for 80 minutes. Last year, I couldn't have ever imagined running so much around the track. In fact, I was even a little nervous yesterday. I was particularly sad that everyone was going to a wisconsin practice run that I wasn't allowed to go to due to my stupid ankle (which I later found out they didn't go to!). It's weird though- I can't wait to go run outside (and today, the weather just screams, come out and run!!) but I haven't been able to get over the initial hump of changing my routine. I have gotten settled into running around the track, grabbing a water break every 2 miles, and counting the 13 laps on my hands. For some reason, the thought of having to make sure I pack everything I could possibly need for a run outside is making me a little nervous. I had it all down to a science last summer, but now I'm sort of worried I'd forget something. Hopefully, I'll get over this silly fear soon. The other issue at the current moment is time. It takes me like 20 minutes or so to transition from real running to pool running, and they have to be done in a row. So, logistically, the track is easier. After this half marathon, I had better be only "real running" these long runs so I can go outside and enjoy the spring and summer! I got so jealous when my running friends called to say they were going for a run at the forest preserves, and did I want to come, a few hours too late, and I can't wait till I get back into that!

As far as my boring track run went- it wasn't SO bad. I ticked off 8.5 miles, and listened to some music on my iphone, which is something I haven't done while actual running in quite a while. So, that was pretty nice. I kept an easy enough pace that I felt like I could keep going- which is good because, for this half marathon, I'll not have done the distance before hand, which makes me a little nervous. I hope the pool running comes through for me...

The pool run wasn't terrible either (is it weird that I sort of enjoy it a little bit now, except for the initial shock of the cold water?). The guy next to me towards the end was extremely irritating though. He was basically making a tidal wave every time he did a kick- which was a shamu-style kick! Water, EVERYWHERE! Now, clearly, with my head above the water, I am used to getting splashed, but this was like nothing I had ever experienced during my pool run. I exchanged a glance with the lifeguard, who appeared to be on the same page as me: "what on earth was this guy doing!?" I turned my head to avoid the tsunami every time I was in line with him, and just hoped he'd calm down before too long! Counting down the weeks til the half marathon...and getting away from these crazy pool loonies!
 
Yesterday afternoon I talked to a good friend that I hadn't talked to in quite a long time. She just started running, doing a program involving something like run 1 min walk 2, etc, and has built up to a 30 min run! At the point in which she signed up for a marathon for next January, she had only run 3 minutes continuously. I am so excited to hear about how much she is enjoying running now and working towards this new goal! It also reminded me that this is supposed to be fun, and of course, hard work. And, it reminded me that little by little we can make and achieve our goals. I just need to keep this in mind when I am struggling along on a bike ride, wondering how I'll ever reach my goal.

My run/pool run was a long lonely workout, but I was pleased with how I got everything done and felt great afterwards. It boosted my self-esteem a little bit, which was very needed after my miserable Friday. Between the hard work yesterday, and the sun today, I feel a little rejuvenated to face the coming week's workouts.