Bleed It Out

I heard the song Bleed it Out by Linkin Park today after my 6 mile run in Central Park and it got me thinking.  I so want to run fast.  I really do.  I want to run up Harlem Hill and Cat Hill as if it wasn’t even a hill.  I want to fly.  I want to bleed it out.

So, I ran the full 6 mile loop in Central Park today with Scott and with his guidance I was able to completely run both Harlem Hill and Cat Hill.  Let me explain.  For me, its kind of hard to talk while running up those hills so I didn’t.  Scott did all the talking and kept my mind focused on other things so I wasn’t 100% fixated on the hill that I was trying to run up.   Also, I knew when they were coming, because I was told when they were coming. I like knowing what’s ahead of me.  Makes me feel more secure.   Sure, eventually I will get to know Central Park like I know my boardwalk, but for now its cool to have a friend to run with.

I ran Garmin-less today.  It wasn’t as bad as I thought.  Sure, I glanced at my old-school timex but not nearly as much as when my garmin is running with me.  (pun intended).  I told Scott I may be obsessing about my pace, but the more I think about it, the better I feel.  Because, I truly believe there is room for improvement.  I’ve been enjoying my speed classes every Tuesday night and really look forward to them.  I stand there anxiously awaiting what workout we will be doing for the evening, then get a little frightened thinking about it, then give it my all.  Then when its all over, I want to do it again.

Central Park is (to me) a special place to run.  It is in the middle of Manhattan, yet when your running there it feels a million miles away.  Sometimes, I like that feeling.  Just away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  The reservoir is pretty neat too.  1.6 miles around with sweeping views of the city.   Just lovely.  And a nice bridle path option as well.  May be cool to run there in my VFF’s sometime.

Bleed it out.  What does that even mean.  To me, it means giving it your all and then some.  I ran as fast as I could for the last 1/4 mile or so, and felt WOAH.  Bled out.  I couldn’t even run the loop of the reservoir that I was so excited to run.  And thats ok.  Running is a beautiful sport.  Anybody can do it, it makes you feel amazing and RUNNERS ROCK!

When we understand the privilege of what it means to be an athlete, we are in touch with, and rejoice in, our physical, mental and emotional strengths,  and our endless possibilities.   “Gloria Averbuch”

That’s a damn good quote up there.  Nope, I didn’t write it, but I live it.  Think about it.  Not only does running afford us the luxury of calling ourselves athletes, it also truly helps us out physically, mentally and emotionally.  EVERY.SINGLE.RUN.   I don’t care if the run absolutely sucked ass, it still makes you feel better to tackle the day ahead.  Or to end the day on a good note.  Yep, don’t even think of arguing with me.

So, riding into the city this morning on the train here were some of my thoughts:

1)  Yikes, what if I can’t keep up?

2) Yikes, what if I can’t run up Harlem Hill?

3) Yikes, what if I can’t run up Cat Hill?

Then I ran.  Loved it even though I bonked a bit and here were my thoughts riding home on the train:

1) Yay, I kept up.

2) Yay, I ran up Harlem Hill

3) Yay, I ran up Cat Hill.

And I must have looked like the biggest geek ever smiling as I got off the train to go home.  Yeah, I’m just a geek trying to run faster.

6 Miles   1.02.25    10.24 min/mile

Bleed it out.