Yet Another Post About Running

I have been remiss about running lately, which is too bad, because a good run — or even a rotten run — is usually good for a blog post. I did manage to run both days this past weekend (no three day weekend for this working girl).

Previous weekends I’ve gotten out of bed, into the sports bras and out the door. This method has the advantage of not giving myself time to think of good reasons not to go running. I am rather ingenious at coming up with seemingly unassailable excuses (I just love that word “unassailable”).

Saturday, however, I sat around in sweats and had a couple cups of coffee with my husband. I’ll tell you what (and I posted this as my Facebook status that day): running after coffee is the Way to Go (I also clarified that I mean going running after you drink coffee, not pursuing coffee down the street, although that too would be motivational) (I just had to include that, because I felt so witty when I thought of it) (or do I flatter myself?) (But I digress) (Too many parenthetical comments?).

I felt pretty terrific. I did not run any hills, nor did I run as far as I had been. Back under the 30 minute plateau for me. But I thought after five days off, I wouldn’t kill myself. I did stop to pet one cute dog, by the way.

Sunday I tried the post-caffeine athletics again. I ran up the hill by Vally Health Services. It is not a huge hill compared to my beloved Herkimer County Community College (HCCC) challenger, but it’s hill enough to say so.

After the hill, I ran by the high school. I like to run by the high school on a Sunday and think, “Ah, what if I would have gotten my teaching certificate?” The school is usually pretty quiet on a Sunday.

I ran over the little bridge toward the parking lot/street I like to run down, because sometimes angels leave coins to encourage me (do I have to explain that again? Are there any new readers today?).

Sunday some game or event was going on. I saw parents and kids making their way toward the field. I tried to look athletic. I hoped nobody noticed me stop to pick up a penny (encouragement!). Then I realized nobody was paying the least bit of attention to me. A relief and a disappointment. I ran on.

I saw a cute little dog with no leash.

“Hi, cute little dog,” I said. “Where’s your person?” She was sitting on a nearby porch. I waved and said good morning. I’ve seen that dog before.

I do enjoy my runs. The Mohawk Valley weather is crisping up nicely. I must run up the hill to HCCC soon to enjoy the view while the leaves are still colored. That’ll be a good reason for another post about running.