LONG RUN ENLIGHTENMENT
As
I sit here with my legs up on the wall, recovery after a long run (which I
learned to do thanks to Flora),
I contemplated what enlightenment I gained from this morning’s
long run. I think when you run for greater than an hour, there are often
learnings, understandings and knowledge to be gained during the process. Sometime is it an aha that comes from miles of
solitude or sometimes it comes from chatting with a BRF (Best Running Friend,
in case you forgot). This morning’s long run started later than our usual BRF
Saturday routine due to sketchy weather conditions. 40 degrees, feels like much
colder with 10-20 mph winds and then a lovely wet drizzle as the icing on the
climate cake. Eleven in all, a lovely gaggle of BRFs, showed up at the OBP to
run varying distances from 4.4 to 12 miles. Me, I was planning on a 12 miler
taking in some parts and pieces of favorite routes and sights... quest for the
Big Fish. There were lots of insights and I thought I would share them here.
My first insight comes from what is NOT proper preparation
for a long run. Wearing and standing in these shoes for greater than 4 hours at a black tie event
the night before.
Not a good idea. I was giving myself props for avoiding alcoholic
beverages at this event. But these shoes are evil when it comes to running the
next day. Then going to an event and not getting to bed early compounds the
problem. Meanwhile the very brilliant Zelda says to me at coffee after the run, “Why
did you not sleep in compression tights?” Me, of all people, forgetting about
the power of sleeping in compression.
I did not just limit my sleep time on the front end, I master
minded a great plan to pick up my husband an hour before the run at the airport
which instigated an earlier rise than normal. Still glad that I did this and did
not have my red eye travelling hubby ride Marta. But, again, not the best long
run prep.
So those were the “What Not To Do” Enlightenments, let me
transition to the sunshine that was found on today’s long run.
·
New running friends rock and add a sparkle to our group. And
guess what, Nell? one of them is an Auburn graduate!
·
Mazel tov to a friend who is closing in on a brand new lovely
home (not too far away, thank goodness)
·
A beloved pet and companion is recovering well after surgery
this week.
·
You thought your child’s week of summer day camp was
expensive, we learned of one that is $700 a week. By the way, I calculated this
is probably two nights (club level)at a Ritz in Ameila Island. Weighing a week
of summer camp versus two nights in Ameila Island. Maybe that cost is not soo
much when your child is as wonderful, beautiful and talented as this BRF's.
·
Stop my gripin’ and moanin’ as one BRF stayed out until
2:30am and still popped up cheery and energetic to tackle this mornings run and
doubled back to chat me up on my grueling last mile.
·
One BRF stored my stuff in her car as my water station then
drove me home while another offered to pick me up at the Marta station if I had
to enact the “Leave the car for the husband” plan.
·
The Lenox Park mile or so was just amazing. Winner of Best View As Seen During Today’s
Long Run Award. Beautiful row of pine trees helped me coast along in a rare
of moment of serenity.
·
Zelda and I discovered that Caribou Coffee on Peachtree has a
little water stationJ. Divinely placed little things….
·
And finally those who altered the route to deter to Capital
City rather than a potentially long windy cold stretch down Peachtree Road are GENIUSES.
In
summary, my BRFs and a little scenery made a personally challenging long run so
much better. I did not reach my 12 mile goal or see the BIG FISH but thanks to them, I made it to
10.67 miles. I will take that along with all of today’s enlightenments and look
forward to another long run.
Grateful,
Grateful,
Sadie
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