I agreed to meet my running sole sister, MAP, at 7am to run this morning.
I awoke at 6am (even beat my alarm), and wasn't feeling "it". I secretly was hoping she'd cancel. But she never cancels - who was I kidding? As a last ditch attempt, I texted her asking "Are we still on?" Unfortunately, she said yes. Dang, reliable as always.
We'd agreed to run 15 miles, but I was secretly hoping for 20. I'd been itching to run since my knee had finally felt "run ready" since CR over 3 weeks ago. I'd nerded on my running log(s) and saw that I'd only run 8 days in November due to being very conservative due to my knee pain/strain. AND my longest run was 10 miles.
Right from the get go, I felt slow & sluggish, but I kept it to myself. After a couple miles, Map asked me "Why are you running so slow?" She noticed - there's no winging it with her. I told her (and probably convinced myself also) that I'd overlayered/overdressed, and felt uncomfortable.
I secretly wanted to quit, but didn't want to tell her. I suggested we run by my duplex (so I could just stay there since I'd already be home...pretty smart, huh?), so I could drop off my pullover. After all, it was my hard-earned CR100 sweater. I couldn't just take a chance and leave it on the side of the trail to pick up later. It didn't work. Once there, I couldn't quit, now, and make her run the rest of the way solo.
Besides, surely, I'd run more comfortable after this. I'd be running in a t shirt. Nope. I was still dragging. She noticed, too, because she said "You're still going slow, but the pace is ok with me." Ouch.
Well, we did the 15 we'd agreed to. It was a struggle. Looking back, I'm glad I stuck with it and finished. We even did "hills" via parking garage along the way (she smoked me but waited at the top and bottom of the garage for me each time, 'cause she's cool like that).
I apologized for slowing her down and thanked her for waiting for me. She assured me it was no big deal, and you know what: she meant it. It wasn't lip service. THAT is why she's the best, and I love running with her!!!
good post. i feel that way sometimes as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I guess it's true: sometimes, you just don't have it. Today, was that day for me. LOL
DeleteFelt like that during my last marathon, so I just ran to finish. But at least we finished what we set out to do, right?
ReplyDeleteTrue that. I think all the time off may've hurt a little also. It's so easy to fall out of shape as opposed to get into it - at least it seems like it sometimes. Which 'thon did u do?
DeleteSo nice to have frunners like that. I'm glad you stuck it out but I know exactly how you feel. Some days "it" just isn't there.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Fawn. Yep, it sounds like we all have had those types of days. See you soon!!!
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