Making Myself Run

My runs lately have been few and far between due to below zero temperatures, treacherously icy sidewalks, Amelie's needs, and Isaac's very busy schedule. This afternoon, though, I got to run outside on this beautifully warm day (for February in Minnesota!). I had really been looking forward to it.

Once I started, however, I forgot how much I had been looking forward to it. The first several blocks were extremely icy, and I had to trot carefully. Once I hit dry sidewalk, it felt so good that I powered up and ran way too fast for my skill and endurance level.

By the time I hit the 15 minute mark, I wondered how I'd make it to 20. But I can't very well have a blog called "Running the Race" if I can't even do that, now, can I? So I kept going. I told myself I'd stop at 20. Then I told myself I'd stop once I got back to Snelling and Hewitt. Then I told myself I could make it to 25. Then once I'd made it to 25, I didn't want to feel continually defeated, so I went to 30.

Note: At this point, I had already passed my house and had to keep going in the other direction. Unfortunately, I discovered long ago that I should always start west from my house to avoid running uphill for the last two blocks! I ended my "long" run with very wobbly jello legs, but after I had recovered (for longer than I care to admit!) I felt really good about forcing myself to continue.

Another note: Those of you who have seen me play volleyball know that I'm not a dainty, pretty exerciser. I sweat and turn bright red. Then I stay red for a long time. It took me a long time to get over this and feel comfortable looking like this in public! This picture doesn't truly show the level of redness my face reaches. Isaac kindly told me that I had been about three times as red five minutes earlier!