Oy vay! A month has passed since I've blogged. It's a good thing that a month has not passed since I've run. I got my training schedule from Debbie in early January and have been faithfully following it except for cross-training on Sundays. I take walks with my dog and do about 5 hours or so of massage on Sundays so I am considering that cross training. Besides, I hate cold and do not want to go swimming in a cold pool.
This past Saturday I was supposed to run 12 miles. The forecast called for 15-20 mph winds with gusts about 25 mph or more. I figured it would be easier if I began heading into the wind rather than trying to finish into it. The wind was pretty much coming straight from the west strong enough to make every American flag I saw without a single furl. They all looked kids' paintings with the flag perfectly defined and straight out from the flag pole. I would not go so far as to say it was easier beginning that way. I felt like I was back at Naperville North with the wind pushing me backwards as I took the first turn on the 440. At times I had to walk stooped over like an old woman. I was cursing and swearing for most of the first 4 miles. The wind was unrelenting. Of course, the route I chose was through open farm fields with not much windbreak to speak of. After winding through a wooded area and up another hill straight into the wind, I was faced with a dilemma--continue heading west on high ground through more open farm land or detour through another wooded area and try to make up the distance by adding loops through a couple of subdivisions. I chose the latter.
I'm glad I did. County Rd M was pretty and crossed over a little river. I saw a cool house that, of course, I redecorated mentally - changing the white trim to cream and the white garage doors to Mission-style real wood doors with a nice warm stain. I drove the route today and found out I had only done 10.8. Shoot. But, I figured it was a tough 10.8. I was actually a little dizzy during the first 3 miles from the wind.
Other than hearing the wind whistle through my polarfleece ear band, I was able to pretty much blank out. I didn't have to think, talk (other than swearing at the wind), or be what someone/anyone wanted me to be. I was able to be alone, in the present, doing something by and for myself. It was grand. I think that is what is really gratifying about this mid-life running. There is plenty of time for just being in the moment and no need to fill it up with chatter or lots of people.
It's not that I don't enjoy company or talk. I do. Just in limited amounts. I prefer companionable silence. Which is why I chose massage therapy as a career. And - writing - so I need to get back into that as well.
