My Kent Half Marathon

Sunday was yet another down day for me and while I’m still congested and a little achey, I woke up pretty energetic this morning. And I’m certain that had nothing to do with taking a vacation day today!

Since I’m too wimpy to tough out the outdoor elements, I headed to the rec. center around 9 a.m. (I had a 12:30 p.m. class anyway), but ran with my Boston Marathon bloggy buddies in mind.

I’m still recovering, so I didn’t want to push myself beyond my capacity. It was meant to be a leisurely run; I just kept going and going and going. And by the time I hit ten miles, I looked outside (the wind was beding the trees over sideways), thought about the crazy weather in Boston and ran the additional three miles in honor of those tough people who did brave the elements today.

And that’s how I ran my first (unofficial) half marathon. Yeah!

But I was a good girl, running right around 8:00/mile for all 13 miles. My runner’s high ran fast through my veins for at least 1-2 hours afterward, carrying over right into my class where I had to do an impromptu magazine pitch and did it well. For anyone who knows about my speaking anxieties, you’ll know what a feat that was.

The real lowdown, however, is at the Boston Marathon: uber congrats to Salty One and Papa Louie for their inspirational races and brave performances in some crazy stuff! Way to go! I'm eager to hear the race reports from Boston.

Spoiled and Impatient Nor’easter Ohioans We Are

After a downer of a Friday, I hit the track this afternoon for another easy 4.68 miles running, which felt even better than Wednesday’s run. I’m beginning to think—and may even believe—that I’m finally crawling out of this sick thing. Sure, I still can’t breathe out of my nose, but wellness is just around the corner.

And I’m assuming that spring should be around the corner as well.

Today was my second-last all-day Saturday class, and as I drove home all I noticed were dozens of people outside doing what they would normally do this time of year, just with a little extra padding.

There were groups of people huddled together in puffy winter coats outside the Handel’s Ice Cream on Fish Creek Road; cyclists layered with extra cycling clothes pedaling down Kent Road; and families promenading down Graham Road in spring clothes adorned with extra-puffy ear muffs, scarves and mittens. If it hadn’t been for the slush that fell from the sky around dinnertime, you wouldn’t have known it was still winter around here.

I think we were all so spoiled by that beautiful streak two weeks ago that it’s owed to us and we should have it back. Maybe that’s just the way I feel. I’m really missing my outdoor running, but really understand that running in the slush is probably not a top choice with my current health.

Two weeks until the Cleveland 10-Miler, but this weekend seems to be the big one for races: all the best to Landon (1/2 marathon), Jim (5K) and Papa Louie and Salty One (the Boston Marathon). And everyone else I’m leaving out (I’m still recovering... best wishes to everyone who is recovering as well!).

But we must really band together right now for good running weather in Boston on Monday and Santa Cruz next Saturday, in particular.