As I write on Friday the DARE 5K is bearing down on me! And since I’ve had an extra hour’s sleep and three cups of coffee this morning, I feel pretty terrific about it.
I ran up the hill to Herkimer County Community College (HCCC) Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. The Tuesday and Thursday runs were quite an effort, because I did them in the hot 4 p.m. sun after working a 10 hour day. On Tuesday’s run as I started the downhill portion I felt like Wesley in The Princess Bride after being introduced to Count Ruger’s torture device. If you’ve never seen the movie (and if you haven’t, I highly recommend you do), he cries like a baby. That’s what I felt like doing, but was sure my body lacked sufficient hydration for such an action.
See, normally I hit the spring during that run and at least get a sip or two. I know there are water stations on the 5K (for one thing I can see “H2O,” a water drop and an arrow spray painted on the hill), but I didn’t take any water on the only other 5K I’ve run. I can run at least a half hour without water. Will a 5K take me more than a half hour? We shall see.
Tuesday I saw a girl sitting on a porch. She smiled and waved.
“You look so comfortable!” I said. “That’s what I’d rather be doing!”
Thursday I felt a little better. I looked for the girl on the porch, but she wasn’t there. Then I saw a lady across the street.
“That’s what I need to do!” I called. “Find myself some shade and sit down!” I like to call out remarks when I run.
I ran just a little bit further on Thursday, by virtue of seeking out the shadiest sidewalks to run down. The nice thing about running is that even if you don’t feel particularly good after a run, you usually feel good that you ran, if you know what I mean.
The DARE 5K, once again, is Saturday, August 20, beginning and ending in front of the 1834 Jail in Herkimer. For more information, check the Herkimer DARE Facebook page or call the police department, 866-4330.
Mohawk Valley Girl 