Wind

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.