Kicking Butt, Taking Names

On Saturday, I’m going to run St. Malachi like Coach Mike Brown took off of the Pistons court after LeBron’s unbelievable three-point flip (that didn’t count). Talk about an incredible game; sorry to the many Pistons fans I know. Well, maybe not.

So, running: I began my tapering today with a 30-minute post-work run at the rec. center. Even though I said I wouldn’t be working too much on my stride this week (mostly out of fear of messing it up—leading up to the race and all), I focused on kicking my feet back for better turnover in my stride. I also said that I would begin weening myself off indoor running again, but that hasn't happened either.

My biggest problem, however, has always been maintaining my stride. How many times have I discussed this issue? How many times does it recur?

Lately I have noticed that my stride slumps far more from mental laziness than physical. So, I focused on kicking out the back of my stride for three-minute intervals today. It was incredible to feel that floating stride I see others achieve. I was almost jealous of myself.

And the most surprising part was how not exhausting it was for me. It has always been my impression that a wide or more-open stride with extended and kicking legs would tire the bejesus out of me. Yet in practice it was easier to do. When I remembered to do it.

Don’t look for me kicking butt and taking names with this stride at St. Malachi on Saturday. But maybe sometime this summer. Maybe.

I haven’t yet decided whether I will rest tomorrow, swim or do another short run. Friday will remain unchanged as a swimming/resting day. And I’m still waiting on that weather slow-down around here. It’s bloody cold outside and I don’t think I’ll have a fan club at all if it’s too blah outside on Saturday!