10 February 2008
Thanks Run Gazelle…
Posted by Steve Kelly under: Steve Kelly .
for cancelling this morning’s long run! I would have gone through with it and who knows what could have happened. I even went out yesterday and bought more cold weather running gear. I also snagged the Yaktrax Pro for my running shoes. I’ll give them a try some day when the wind chill isn’t as dangerous.
I did my long run like many of you indoors this morning. I felt guilty loading one car to head to church and me to the M.A.C. I should have been smarter and run the long one yesterday but, I thought I could open up a can of my inner Road Warrior and get through it this morning. As soon as I saw online it was cancelled I exercised the better part of valor. I bravely ran inside! I was sure to include a lot of prayer and reflection to make up for the mass pass.
That brings up the point of spirituality and running. How many of you feel closer to God during your outings? I must admit that I’ve found a lot of comfort and closeness in prayer on the road. I’m not just talking about those, “Please God get me through the next five miles!” either (although I’m sure a few have sounded more like begging). I just find that during all those hours of idol thought, why not include the One I’m doing it for? Not on a soapbox here, just letting you know you have a captive audience along the way.
Back to the long run…quick question. What little tricks do you do to keep count of the laps? It’s six laps to a mile where I run indoors. With my attention span I lose track all the time. Today I just ran for an hour and a half. I know I was going faster than when Nick and I were sliding all over East Grand Rapids a couple weeks ago for our eight miler. Since I ran longer today I figured I stuck in at least a mile more, maybe two. Maybe they keep a tape of the surveillance camera and I can go back and count!
I need to thank the four women consistently lapping me this morning too. Not once was I embarrassed or jealous, just in awe of their mad skills. They caught me about every four laps and what was most amazing about that was that they were having this in-depth conversation! I was trying not to swallow my tongue at my pace and there they were just chatting away as they blew by me! Very inspirational indeed.
Looks like although next week is cold, it’s nothing like today so lets keep at it runners! Another week closer…I think I can smell the beer tent.
2 Comments so far...
Timothy Says:
10 February 2008 at 5:36 pm.
Well, gratefully Deb and I were able to get the long run in yesterday, outside. I can usually remember just about every step, while she is just living in the Spiritual moment, totally enjoying it. If you were to ask her where she ran, she would have to think about it. Yesterday I guided her south, taking into consideration the direction of the wind. She gets a little nervous running in some areas of town. People ask ‘why we do it’, and we reply sometimes, because we can! Have you had any couch potatoes suggesting they are going to go for a walk, inspired by you?
I also have a problem keeping track of laps inside, so when we have run our long runs on the weekends over these last several years, it is usually my job, to guide us around town, having a general idea, of the time, her watch, not mine. So as we were 5 or 6 miles out, knowing we would be facing a head wind on the way back, we turned around and headed back to the west side. I think we are both really glad we got it in yesterday with only moderate winter, versus today with the full effect.
Deb just enjoys running with all of you so much, she is actually having great fun with this whole thing.
So gang, keep up your inspiration, keep up your efforts, and no doubt a few of us will follow along basking in the sweat equity of your efforts, knowing full well, that it is only by personal effort that you get the job done. Keep warm, keep safe, but take a risk now and then, just for fun.
Shelly Says:
10 February 2008 at 6:00 pm.
Steve–you’ll LOVE the Yaks! Great job getting your run in today. I was glad to have done it yesterday outside, I admit (and with my Yaks on!)! This morning’s headwind was not exactly begging me to go venture outside.
On the keeping track of laps–I’ve been known on OUTDOOR tracks (I can’t say the MAC or the Y would appreciate this method) to pick up small pebbles (or small pieces of sticks) and either hold them in my hand or in a pocket. I toss them out as I complete each lap–when I’m out of pebbles, I know I am on my last lap. Simple, but it works! Hmmm…indoors, you could cover your shirt with stickers and move them over as you complete laps? Not only would it work as a tally, but you would be the talk of the track with those women ahead of you wondering why you had these mysterious gold stars all over yourself… 
And I agree–long solo runs are a wonderful time to count my blessings and converse with God. I don’t take any run for granted anymore like I used to–not after injury and other downfalls!