Chafage and Other Tales...

Saturday's long run was painful in more ways than one. We ran in Riverside Park along the Hudson which is great because it's FLAT, scenic and there's a little breeze. It's not great because there's no shade and it's an out and back, so you run a certain distance, then turn around and run back. The beginner group was 6-8 miles this week.

I'm having trouble mastering the art of hydration, because I hydrate so much before I run that I have to go to the bathroom 10 minutes into the run. Most of the time I can ignore it and it goes away (or I'm sweating it out?) but on Saturday it was so bad I had to find a bathroom. I ran into a ferry terminal at 39th street, after which point I totally lost my pacing group. In addition, everyone in my group was running 6 miles, and I was running 7. So, I ran the entire thing alone. This would be fine if I was running three miles. Now, I haven't used music when I run for more than a year, because I find I can't focus on my breathing and it's also generally good to hear what's goin on around you if you are running through the streets of Manhattan. But man I missed my iPod. Running along a flat bikepath with no music or person to keep you company is okay for three miles, not for seven. I suppose I should get used to it.

For the first time since I've started this program I felt like I couldn't push myself any further. The distances are getting longer, so strength training is going to be more important. My legs were just dead tired. The best part of all of this? I'm running with about a half mile to go, proud of myself for running SEVEN miles! Then my worst fear was realized. I hear "Christie!" It's Mike. Mike who was running TWO miles more than me, passed me. Along with two girls from his pacing group, one whom my friend Aimee pointed out took great pains to french braid pigtails in her hair early on a Saturday morning. How cute. Ouch. Double ouch. French ouch.

I have been remiss, however, in saying what an amazing job Mike is doing. While I'm using him to poke fun at myself, I'm so impressed by how well he is doing, as are all the coaches. They keep telling him he looks like a natural runner. He's really enjoying himself. He's also been beyond critical in keeping me motivated and on track with my training. I'm lucky to have him to do this with, otherwise I wouldn't be where I am!! So, don't take offense husband of mine. :o)

The final ouch of the day was when I got into the shower and felt a searing pain under my arm causing me to screech. CHAFAGE!! You may recall the famous clip of Andy from The Office. Luckily it was nothing like this:

I guess I'll be using some vasoline on Tuesday. Have a great week!