To Run on Tuesday

I tell myself:  It could have been worse; it could have been Two Minute Tuesday.

I have been meaning to up my running game (and all my other games too, quite frankly, but let us take one game at a time).  After my unfortunate experience at the Utica Boilermaker 15K,  I have not been having an easy time running, last Sunday’s unintended hour-long run notwithstanding (I mentioned that in a blog post, I am sure).  I keep thinking if I just persevere, I can get my mojo back.  So I made up my mind to run today.

I did not get right into sports bras and on the road today.  First I had to send a couple of texts to my sister Diane.  We went on the South Beach Diet together starting today.   It is a great motivator to have somebody to compare notes with.  Full disclosure:  I have to get my diet mojo back, too.

Of course I practiced my usual multi-task of putting in laundry while I ran.  For one reason, I am out of clean work pants.  However, if the diet mojo returns, perhaps I will be able to fit into some previously worn trousers.  In the meantime,  a little exercise never hurts.

Off I went, and I did feel a little off.  Or a lot.  So old and thunky!  When I see people they tend to smile at me.  I suppose they are thinking, “Isn’t that nice, that old lady is trying to run.”  I can use all the good will I can get.

I changed my mind several times about which way to run, where to turn, and which side of the street to run on.  One thing I did not worry about was my speed, or rather lack thereof.  I often say that what I do is called running only by the most generous definition of the term.  And what, I ask you, is wrong with a little generosity once in a while?

The run started to feel less thunky as I went.  I never stopped huffing and puffing, but I did not feel I was in distress.  The shadier spots definitely felt better than the sunny ones.  A couple of times I crossed in the middle of the street to take advantage of a tree’s shadow that reached across.

I ended up running for 20 minutes and felt pretty pleased with myself.  I do not know how far I ran, because I misplaced my Garmin. I say I don’t worry about how fast I run, but it is nice to know.  Additionally,  I remember my Two Mile Tuesdays before the Boilermaker.  I guess I didn’t have one of those today.