YES! Saturday Running Commentary is BACK! I ran this morning and less than an hour later, I am sitting down to write my blog post about it!
I had actually planned better blog post. I am still unsure of my plans for the day, so I thought I would think about what I was going to do while I ran, then I could write about the run and my plans. Well, I thought about my run while I was running, probably because I kept changing my plans about where and even how long I was going to run. So I am going to tell you about that.
My thermostat said it was 38 degrees out, well within my parameters for leggings and long sleeves. A long-sleeved running shirt was handy, because I had worn it under my sweatshirt when greeting the trick-or-treaters on Tuesday. It took a little longer to find leggings and winter running socks. I guess I could have done without winter socks, but the leggings I found are a little short and I did not want that little half-inch of bare leg between sock and legging. It’s the little things.
At last I was off. Ooh, it felt cold. And I felt a little self-conscious in my form-fitting shirt and leggings. I usually run in very large t-shirts. Indeed, most of my long-sleeved t-shirts are on the baggy side as well. But one must not let these things keep one from pursuing fitness. I kept running. My main concern was that the cold would give me a sinus headache, as it sometimes does. I made up my mind that if it started to I would have a short run. I have things to do today (even if I have not planned it out yet); I can’t be down with a headache.
I ran toward Valley Health, my go-to hill when I am building myself up. From there, I could run to the high school and over the little footbridge. That is often my Sunday run, but it would do for a Saturday. As I approached the hill, I could see something was going on at the school: a school bus and several cars were right where I planned to run. I revised my plans. I thought the sight of my lumpy body outlined in such detail by my outfit, which was not even all that warm, might traumatize high school students. I decided to run into the residential area behind Valley Health and make my way back to German Street via Lou Ambers Drive or Maple Grove.
As I approached Lou Ambers, I thought I would go to Maple Grove, where there were sidewalks to run on. Then as I got toward Maple Grove, I saw that it went uphill to the next street over. A little uphill would be a good thing. Beyond that was the back way up to Herkimer College. I was not up to running to Herkimer College. Then I noticed the “Do Not Enter” sign. I felt I just had to run by a “Do Not Enter” sign. I thought I would only run to the path that goes into Brookfield Park (previously known as The Unknown Park in this space). This put more uphill in my run.
The path into the park added more uphill. As I ran, I hoped I could actually get into the park. The path leads to a picnic area, which is separated from the rest of the park by a little footbridge over the brook. The bridge and brook are surrounded by a chain link fence. Sometimes the bridge is blocked. If the bridge was blocked, I would have to turn around and run back the way I came. I did not want to do that. I was tired of running and wanted to go home. I made up my mind that if the bridge was blocked, I would just climb over it.
I could not tell until I was right at the bridge whether or not it was blocked. In that length of time I was able to picture myself ripping my leggings on the fence, falling into the brook, spraining my ankle, and having to drag myself out of the brook to limp home. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to just run longer than I intended. The bridge was unblocked, so that was good.
By now I realized I MIGHT make it home in 30 minutes, the length of last Sunday’s run. Then again, it might end up being 33 minutes, the intended length of tomorrow’s run. I felt pretty good either way. My legs and body had warmed up nicely and I felt I could continue running with no problem. This was all right! I ended up running by my house to the end of the street and coming back for a 33 minute run. Yes!
As I walked my cool-down, I felt pretty damn good about myself. If I keep this up, I will be in great shape for the Reindeer Run 5K! Now to get on to planning the rest of my Saturday…
Mohawk Valley Girl 