One of the purposes of my blog is to write down my thoughts after I’m done with my run, because there’s a whole lot of something going on up there while I’m running. But when you distance yourself from the run with a day of work in between, the thoughts tend to dissipate. At least until the next run, and then they come back full on, with even more and different thoughts. I’ll have to get better about writing sooner… or get up earlier, ugh.
Today I had a nice 4-miler to complete (yesterday I ran 3). It was a beautiful morning as the sun and the birds woke up (those bird things are actually quite deafening first thing). I had my usual Breakfast of Champions of black tea and GU, then I hit the trail. Now I don’t need lectures about how I should eat something before I go out on a power run. It’s hard enough to gag down the GU first thing, let alone a piece of toast, but I know I need something and GU is simply a wonderful packet full of energy once it hits the system. Love the stuff! Okay, don’t love the consistency but do love the wonderful things it does for the energy level!
I’m getting really tired of going up and down hills, so like I said, I hit the trail for an out and back, which is not too-too bad with changes in elevation. But I have to admit, it gets kind of scary out on the trail that early in the morning. I have a fabulous imagination and sometimes it gets the best of me. I’m not worried about an actual person trying something (I know my strength when the adrenaline hits, they wouldn’t stand a chance), but it’s all the animals that I could possibly encounter. Especially as we’ve had a cougar sighting nearby, yes, on the trail. Now THAT makes me nervous. So as I’m running along, I’m looking behind and into every bush and tree that I possibly can and trying to make lots of noise so I don’t sneak up on anything hunting for food. Thankfully, no cougar this morning, just a sweet little bunny rabbit who has actually gotten quite big considering where it lives.
I’m also thankful to say I’ve been able to maintain my happy run streak since Sunday, each run getting better and better. Seconds count as seconds eventually lead up to minutes. It was a good run. I even gave up on thinking something was going to attack me from the bushes after mile 2. Yesterday I forgot to wear my compression sleeves and my calves started hurting, but today, I put those babies on and didn’t have an ounce of pain. Yay. I even felt strong in mile 3, almost getting to the point where it would be easier to just keep running than to stop (yeah, that lasted for about 0.75 miles). During my run, I was going over one very important question in mind…
Do I like to run?
Simply put, no, I really don’t. Running is difficult. I don’t like the pain, I don’t like breathing hard, I don’t like the amount of sweat my body puts out, I don’t like it when said sweat drips into my eyes, and I sure as hell don’t like the chafing. However, with that being said, there are a number of things that I do like about running. I like the challenge of getting better at something that I suck at (I won’t suck forever). I like the long-term health benefits of being a runner, strong heart, strong lungs, young mind, killer calves. I like the sense of accomplishment I feel when I cross the finish line of a race because I know I worked my ass off for 3 long months to get to that finish line. And I especially like the bling I earn when I finish a race! After all, it’s all about the bling, isn’t it!! I think the pros far outweigh the cons.
Next up, is another 3 miles tomorrow, then on down to Boise on Saturday for a trial 7-mile run on the Fit One race route next to the river. Considering Boise is about 30 degrees hotter than it is here, it could get interesting.
I think I have finally found my header.
Never A Dull Bling 
Sounds like a really good run. Do you run in the dark? If yes, what kind of equipment do you use? I run in the dark, though I don’t really like it. I use a flashlight with a red strobe on the other end.
LikeLike
No, sunrise here is about 5:40 or so. I didn’t actually get out until about 6:30. I don’t like to run in the dark either and won’t, but my husband usually has to in the winter. He uses a head lamp which seems to work well for him. You’re very brave to run in the dark! :O
LikeLike
It will become easier…as your muscles become stronger, they’ll begin to enjoy the exercise, and so will you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe, yes you’re right. I’m sure I’ll crave it one day soon. But in the meantime, I get my runner’s high when I STOP running, 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s so much mental game involved, isn’t there? I always have a ton of thoughts during my runs but my brain goes straight to mush after I’m finished. I try to contemplate and focus on why I’m doing it, it really does help. Good job getting out there early, I wish I could get myself to do that. Running in the warmer temps will make you strong. People kept telling me that and I thought they were crazy but I feel it now. 🙂 Also, a freaking cougar are you kidding me? My biggest obstacle are the dive-bombing swallows and a flock of hissy geese. A cougar? crap.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My husband has to run in the heat, so, yeah, I can see how it makes you strong, oh but I hate it. I would rather get up at 4 in the morning than do that! Running is hard enough as it is! And yes, a cougar. It’s been a couple of weeks since the spotting, so it’s probably moved on by now, but it sure makes the imagination run wild when you’re all alone amongst the trees and bushes! 🙂 (hissy geese…that cracks me up)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I love me some Salted Caramel GU! I use it as an incentive or reward for running…LOL!
Ah yes, running is definitely more of a mental game…I have so many internal battles before I run, but I’m ALWAYS glad I went afterward!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely agree! I’m always really glad I went too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just finished with my week 4 half training. When I read your blog entry, it sounded so much me. I hate to set my alarm to get up early to run before it is too hot here in Florida but I know how mad I’ll be at myself if I don’t get up. Once I’m out on the trails, I’m very content even if my knee is hurting, my shoe lace becomes untied, I spill water all over, or some other little thing is bothering me. And you’re right, it is all about the goal of finishing an awesome race you are training for. I always try to look at the BIG picture. Thanks for inspiring me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind comments! It’s really nice to know that someone else goes through the same things!! 🙂
LikeLike
I really admire your commitment to something that causes you pain. I know there are so many benefits to your health, but to be able to keep your eye on that when you’re hot, sweaty and hurting is is pretty impressive .
I really enjoy your blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s really nice of you to say, Lisa! Thank you! But you’re pretty good at keeping your eye on the end result yourself! With the fight you’ve had, many people would’ve thrown their hands up and said whatever, but you’re like the Energizer bunny who keeps going, and going, and going! I think it’s fantastic! 🙂
LikeLike