2.17

Ok, so it's safe to say I haven't been keeping up with this blog as much as I thought I would. I really should be better about it, because I get as much out of writing as I do out of running and working out- so I guess this running blog really has two purposes. I meant to write last week when I did a run-gym-run (1 mile run to the gym, weight circuit at the gym, then 1 mile back). I've actually been consistently working out at least 3 times a week for the past several weeks, with at least one run in there somewhere. I'm pretty pleased with that.

But this week, I really have to start preparing- mentally and otherwise. Next week is the official Week 1 of training for the half 'thon. So far this week, I've done my weight routine yesterday, and just did a 2.17 mile run tonight. It was raining- well, drizzling, I guess- and the current temperature here in Chapel Hill is 47 degrees. Pretty chilly, but not as bad as it sounds.

I actually really enjoyed it. My iPod was dead, so I had nothing but my own thoughts to keep me going... yikes. But.. turns out, it was really nice to listen to the rain. My apartment is right near Bolin Creek, and running next to it might be one of my favorite things. I could hear the rain hitting the surface of the water, the pavement, and hear it in the trees. It was sort of pretty bouncing off the pavement, almost like sparks coming off the road where the streetlights lit up the asphalt. The creek was gurgling along, and all in all it was peaceful.

I had a lot of energy when I got home from work, which seems to be the norm lately (maybe I'm finally adjusting to the 9-6 routine.. good thing or bad? I'll say good for now). So I felt pretty strong and energized during the run. I had a good pace going, I wasn't struggling to maintain it but I wasn't necessarily going all out, either. It was just a good, solid little run.

There's always a point in a run when I have to force myself to push a little harder. Usually when I'm running back to the apartment, it's at the end of the route when I start to anticipate the hill that's coming... man, that hill can be a biatch. It's a not the steepest hill ever, but sometimes it makes for a tough finish.

But... I did it! Even though it was cold and rainy. I felt a little jolt of happiness and accomplishment when I finished- not so much because I ran an easy 2 mile route that I've done a million times, but more because I know I'm committing myself to this half marathon. More importantly, I'm committing myself to... myself. I'm committing to something that's challenging as a way to maintain discipline in taking care of myself. I needed something like this training to remind me of how much joy I get from being outside, exercising, and accomplishing goals that are purely for me.

Alright, that's enough cheese for a plate of nachos. (If you actually read this blog, get ready for the Vernon humor. We think our own jokes are really funny...) Time for either grocery shopping.... or eating a whole box of mac and cheese.