I'm thinking about becoming a walker. If you've read any of my previous posts, you can probably tell how hard it is for to stick to a running program. We have a really nice neighborhood for walking (a lot of trails and parks), so I can pick up for a 30-45 minute walk and carry on without looking like I've been for a swim (and smelling like I've been hiding in a gym locker). Plus, with the cost of gasoline, it'll be nice to wrap up my walk at the neighborhood grocery, or the Y, or the donut shop.
The Women's Center Victory Over Violence 5-K is in a couple of weeks, and I think I can run a 5-K without having to dial 9-1-1. I'm registered (our company is a sponsor), so I'll be there.
Showing posts with label neighborhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neighborhood. Show all posts
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, December 13, 2007
When does this get easier?
Originally published May 10, 2007
When does this get easier? I asked that same question after my last run, too. Today's run was hot and humid and hot. It rained late this afternoon, so I ran past a lot of flowing water and through a lot of water covering sidewalks.
We've had a lot of rain the last few weeks (months?), and I can tell I've worked for an engineering firm too long. As I splash along my run after the rain, I ponder how long the storm water system will take to drain the area and if my route falls is affected by the Probable Maximum Flood . . . pretty sad, huh?
Near the end of my run, I passed a group of kids who were playing in and around the water flowing in the gutter. One girl, who obviously is the big sister to an 8-year-old boy, shouts that he's going to be in trouble when he gets home (he was floating his leather baseball glove in the gutter). I heard light footsteps behind me, then the boy zips by me. I thought he was running home until I hear his sister shout for him to 'quit showing off.' When he was about 15-20 yards ahead of me, I realized that we were racing (!), so I sprinted after him.
I discovered long ago that in order to beat a child in a foot race, you simply have to 1) race farther than the length of a soccer field, or 2) race beyond what is likely the boundary where his parents allow him to play.
I was about to pass him and turn the corner past what I perceived as his neighborhood boundary; instead I declared him the winner as he passed a driveway right before I caught him. I thought this might help him prove to his bossy big sister that he wasn't just showing off.
And maybe I am ready for those fartleks I've been thinking about.
For what it's worth, I think this will get easier if I stretch more between runs. My legs, especially my calves, are really tight; and I think it's making my running more difficult than it needs to be.
When does this get easier? I asked that same question after my last run, too. Today's run was hot and humid and hot. It rained late this afternoon, so I ran past a lot of flowing water and through a lot of water covering sidewalks.
We've had a lot of rain the last few weeks (months?), and I can tell I've worked for an engineering firm too long. As I splash along my run after the rain, I ponder how long the storm water system will take to drain the area and if my route falls is affected by the Probable Maximum Flood . . . pretty sad, huh?
Near the end of my run, I passed a group of kids who were playing in and around the water flowing in the gutter. One girl, who obviously is the big sister to an 8-year-old boy, shouts that he's going to be in trouble when he gets home (he was floating his leather baseball glove in the gutter). I heard light footsteps behind me, then the boy zips by me. I thought he was running home until I hear his sister shout for him to 'quit showing off.' When he was about 15-20 yards ahead of me, I realized that we were racing (!), so I sprinted after him.
I discovered long ago that in order to beat a child in a foot race, you simply have to 1) race farther than the length of a soccer field, or 2) race beyond what is likely the boundary where his parents allow him to play.
I was about to pass him and turn the corner past what I perceived as his neighborhood boundary; instead I declared him the winner as he passed a driveway right before I caught him. I thought this might help him prove to his bossy big sister that he wasn't just showing off.
And maybe I am ready for those fartleks I've been thinking about.
For what it's worth, I think this will get easier if I stretch more between runs. My legs, especially my calves, are really tight; and I think it's making my running more difficult than it needs to be.
'. . . I am the Frito Bandito'
Originally published May 1, 2007
Who'd thought that Frito Pie (you know . . . chili, Fritos, onions and cheese, sour cream and picante sauce if you want) would qualify as a training meal? Promised myself that I'd run this evening, but couldn't get out 'til after dinner. I thought the Frito Pie would be serve 'ala sidewalk' after a few steps into the run, but I had a great run!
I hit the spot that I think is a mile in about 9:23, which to me, especially now, is cruising. Of course, the last 15 minutes were at at 13:30 pace, but that's unimportant (okay, not really . . . the 13:30 part).
Have I ranted in my 'I'm madder 'n hell, and I'm not gonna take it more' mode? About a month ago, a runner in his early 20s was beaten up for his IPod along one of the routes I usually run. I'd like to think that I'm big enough to seem not worth the effort, but in reality, I'm more like that lumbering elephant that gets left by the herd and now word has quickly spread among the hyenas that dinner's ready.
I HATE being intimidated enough to not run after dark (or near dark in this other runner's case) with my IPod. Not that I'm a huge music fan, but this is MY neighborhood, and I don't want to give it up to thugs. Especially thugs not old enough to pay taxes! (huh?)
Coincidentally, the bridge that I use to approximate one mile is the spot where the other runner was mugged.
Anyway . . . enjoyed this evening's run. AND my Penguin hat's started to look worn and sweaty. I'm so proud! Okay, life's little pleasures.
Who'd thought that Frito Pie (you know . . . chili, Fritos, onions and cheese, sour cream and picante sauce if you want) would qualify as a training meal? Promised myself that I'd run this evening, but couldn't get out 'til after dinner. I thought the Frito Pie would be serve 'ala sidewalk' after a few steps into the run, but I had a great run!
I hit the spot that I think is a mile in about 9:23, which to me, especially now, is cruising. Of course, the last 15 minutes were at at 13:30 pace, but that's unimportant (okay, not really . . . the 13:30 part).
Have I ranted in my 'I'm madder 'n hell, and I'm not gonna take it more' mode? About a month ago, a runner in his early 20s was beaten up for his IPod along one of the routes I usually run. I'd like to think that I'm big enough to seem not worth the effort, but in reality, I'm more like that lumbering elephant that gets left by the herd and now word has quickly spread among the hyenas that dinner's ready.
I HATE being intimidated enough to not run after dark (or near dark in this other runner's case) with my IPod. Not that I'm a huge music fan, but this is MY neighborhood, and I don't want to give it up to thugs. Especially thugs not old enough to pay taxes! (huh?)
Coincidentally, the bridge that I use to approximate one mile is the spot where the other runner was mugged.
Anyway . . . enjoyed this evening's run. AND my Penguin hat's started to look worn and sweaty. I'm so proud! Okay, life's little pleasures.
Labels:
Frito Pie,
IPod,
madder 'n hell,
neighborhood,
penguin
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