Post Halloween Run

Let fanfare right and banner fly! Saturday Running Commentary is BACK! For today, anyways.

We got up at 3:30 this morning, because Steven had to work at 6:30. I had said I would have a cup of coffee then go running. I heard you burn more calories if you consume caffeine before your workout. I knew there was a danger that while I drank the coffee I might talk myself out of running, but it was a chance I was willing to take.

I was hungry right away, so I ate a banana with peanut butter a little after four and got ready to run by five. I was really looking forward to it by then. I have missed running. I wanted to run after work several days in the past few weeks, but Tabby would look so happy to see me and would so clearly want to go for a walk, that I just couldn’t disappoint her. It seems I am not capable of walking my dog and then going for a run. Perhaps I could work on that.

The temperature was in the low 40s, so I wore leggings and long sleeves. They were the leggings and mock turtleneck I had worn under my Halloween costume last night, so I felt all reduce-reuse-recycle. I was happy I found my reflective vest, because the clothes were black (Halloween costume, you know). I put a headband over my ears, found running socks and shoes, and I was on my way.

My hands got cold, but the rest of me felt pretty OK. My legs did not complain AT ALL for at least the first half of the run. My breathing wasn’t too bad, either. The cold air bothered my throat a little. I tried the “in through your nose, out through your mouth” thing, but as usual it did not work for me. My nose will just not let in enough air.

I ran down German Street towards the high school. I could see the sign blinking messages. I saw that the Herkimer Footlighters were going to present something, but a tree got in the way before I saw what. I’m sure it will be in the newspaper or I’ll see a poster somewhere.

I rounded the corner and ran down Church Street to Main Street. I was looking for Halloween decorations, figuring it would be one of my last chances to. It could be the streets I’ve been on lately, but I seem to see fewer Halloween decorations this year. I hope a lot of people will decorate for Christmas. I like decorations.

Main Street was quiet and deserted. No lights greeted me, no cars went by. As I passed Basloe Library I remembered that Guitar Group is starting up again. This is an open jam session held every Saturday in a room in the library. Anybody is invited to come play and sing. I sing quietly, so nobody need be put off by my possible participation.

As I ran by the post office, I reminded myself to write a few postcards to mail. I did not write any last week, which I feel was remiss of me. Through Myers Park and up Bellinger Street. This had not been a bad run at all.

I ended up doing 25 minutes, which I thought was good considering it has been at least a month since I’ve run. I didn’t even feel too tired. As Tabby walked my cool-down with me, I felt pretty good about myself. And I saw a few Halloween decorations to admire. I probably would have seen more if I had been running all through October. Let that be a lesson to me.