You'll get no argument from me that dogs are man's best friend. A big part of what makes dogs our best friends is their loyalty.
Today, I discovered the runner's best friend. Here is the story...
I was leaving my house for work this morning after a great run with a group of friends. I had my hands full as I walked to the car, so when I reached my car I put my running shoes on the roof so I could empty my hands of all my stuff. Once I packed everything I had into my car, I got in and drove off.
I pulled out of my complex and drove down the hill towards work. It is important to note that I live on one of the tallest hills in Orange County and the descent that starts my commute is pretty steep. It is nearly impossible to drive under 60 mph on this road unless you ride your brakes.
I flew down the hill in almost record time. I made it about five miles down when I reached Tustin Ave and made a left turn. After the turn, I heard a honk coming from the car next to me, so I turned to see an attractive young lady in a small SUV. It surprised me, and for a moment rally flattered me until I noticed her pointing to the top of my car. My shoes were still up there.
I was shocked. I probably looked like an idiot driving all over Orange with shoes on the roof of my car. I was amazed, though, that they were still there. Exactly where I put them.
Runners spend a lot of time in their shoes. They become almost an extension of our bodies. They are normally the only thing that accompanies us on long, lonely runs. It's easy to see why we can become so attached to our shoes, so loyal to them.
Apparently after all the time I have spent with these running shoes, they've taken a liking to me too.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
You know you're hooked on marathons when...
I sat at my computer this weekend with my credit card in hand while I registered for some upcoming races. It's an exciting time, but also a nervous time, as I look at my training schedule and realize I have a half-marathon and two full marathons all within a one-month period.
I came to the realization that I might be hooked on marathons. I did a little research on the runnersworld.com forums that i'm always reading and I found some intresting posts from some fellow runners. Here is how I know I am hooked on marathons:
You know you are hooked on marathons when…
You take a bath without using the hot water valve, and then you throw a bag of ice in. And you sort of enjoy it.
You consider a 12 mile long run a recovery.
You come across the finish line and say "that hurt so bad...when can we do it again?"
You base all of your vacation time on your race schedule.
You are running a marathon and planning in your head how to train for your next one.
When your friends know not to even ask if you will go out on Saturday because you are running long on Sunday.
When you have to explain to your date the real purpose of body glide when she sees it on your dresser.
When driving somewhere and your GPS tells you that you have 26.2 miles to go, you smile, laugh and think "Yea...I could run the rest of the way."
When you consider the four food groups to be gels, pasta, Gatorade and energy bars.
When your not in your office at lunch and everyone knows your running.
When the color of your pee is more important to you than the color of your outfit.
When pain really isn't an issue.
I came to the realization that I might be hooked on marathons. I did a little research on the runnersworld.com forums that i'm always reading and I found some intresting posts from some fellow runners. Here is how I know I am hooked on marathons:
You know you are hooked on marathons when…
You take a bath without using the hot water valve, and then you throw a bag of ice in. And you sort of enjoy it.
You consider a 12 mile long run a recovery.
You come across the finish line and say "that hurt so bad...when can we do it again?"
You base all of your vacation time on your race schedule.
You are running a marathon and planning in your head how to train for your next one.
When your friends know not to even ask if you will go out on Saturday because you are running long on Sunday.
When you have to explain to your date the real purpose of body glide when she sees it on your dresser.
When driving somewhere and your GPS tells you that you have 26.2 miles to go, you smile, laugh and think "Yea...I could run the rest of the way."
When you consider the four food groups to be gels, pasta, Gatorade and energy bars.
When your not in your office at lunch and everyone knows your running.
When the color of your pee is more important to you than the color of your outfit.
When pain really isn't an issue.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Physcial and Spiritual Rejuventaion
I woke up this morning feeling completely rejuvenated from an amazing weekend with some of my favorite people in the world.
It's amazing how a little time away to refocus can change your entire attitude about life. Having a day to spend out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life was truly a blessing. I was able to reconnect with God in a very powerful way and came away from the experience feeling closer to Him and to those in my lifegroup than I ever had before.
As if this spiritual rejuvenation were'nt enough, I woke up this morning and decided to test out my injured foot for the first time in over a week. Success. I didn't experience any pain. I am ecstatic to get back to my running and to start training for my next race. Thank you to all of you who prayed for me! Stay tuned for more as I begin training again.
It's amazing how a little time away to refocus can change your entire attitude about life. Having a day to spend out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life was truly a blessing. I was able to reconnect with God in a very powerful way and came away from the experience feeling closer to Him and to those in my lifegroup than I ever had before.
As if this spiritual rejuvenation were'nt enough, I woke up this morning and decided to test out my injured foot for the first time in over a week. Success. I didn't experience any pain. I am ecstatic to get back to my running and to start training for my next race. Thank you to all of you who prayed for me! Stay tuned for more as I begin training again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)