Most Improved

Last week I was despairing over my running progress so it was with absolute trepidation that I sat down to map out my Sunday 14.5 K run. When I was finished and I saw that the red lines went all the way from my house to Gastown, through part of Stanley Park, then over to Kits before coming home, I felt sick. Honestly, I felt like I was going to throw up, if not right there on the computer, then definitely at some point during this all day workout.

But I was determined not to bail on my schedule, so I brought the iPod and some energy-fuel Jelly Bellies and stretched and meditated and prayed a little and - I did it! I ran in 20 minute segments with a 1 minute walk in between until I got tired, and then I cut it down to 10 and 1 and even though it took me a looong time, I did most of it without walking. I walked up the bridge (I hate the bridge) and I took an extra long 5 minute break before my last 10 minute leg, but compared with the amount of walking I did in some of the 8 K's last week, this run was an absolute miracle. A turning point if you will.

When I got home I re-mapped my route with all the diversions I had to take because of the triathlon and getting lost in Stanley Park and whoa! It ended up being more like 17 K! So not only am I the most improved player, but also most impressed. With myself. That's OK once in a while, especially when it comes right after most depressed.

And it wasn't only a physical turn-around. At one point, running around the seawall, my favorite Basement Jaxx song came on and I whooped for joy because I was having so much fun and two herons were startled and did a quiet loop out over the water and back - grey on grey. It was so beautiful and I was so happy/relieved/proud that I actually said out loud "It's all down hill from here baby!". Words I'm sure I will eat about 6 weeks into actual marathon training, but for now I don't care. I'm running with it.