Believe the Hype

In running, as in life, there are good days and bad days.  Ups and downs.

To me, even when you are having a “bad” day, there is always some redeeming quality within that day that you can hold on to.  A smile from somebody that makes it all right, a big bowl of icecream that just hits the spot.  A phone call from a old friend, just because.  All these things make that crappy day just a bit better.

Yesterday, I ran 8.5 miles.  Again, I was a bit insecure.  Would I be able to complete the distance?  Am I dressed properly?  Will my shin hurt me?  I almost sabotaged the run before it even began!!  On the train ride to the meeting spot, these were the thoughts going through my mind.  I realize I should have more confidence in myself and my running abilities, but sometimes, I need reassurance.

So the route that Scott planned had us running up the West Side Greenway.  About 12.5 – 13 miles from the Staten Island Ferry to the street access by the George Washingon Bridge.  I loved it.  We started from Staten Island Ferry and ran up to 79th.  I was really excited to run on the Greenway because I never did before. Very cool. We passed cool stuff like Chelsea Piers, the Intrepid and cruise ships. Then after the Greenway, we hit Riverside Park with some mean hills. Really HILLY! Like climbing a mountain. Then, if I remember correctly, out into the upper West side of Manhattan and into Central Park. I tried to finish strong and I think I did.

Bicyclists riding on the West side Greenway path, with the George Washington Bridge beyond (taken from greenway website)

My legs felt strong throughout and if I needed to, I could have ran another mile or two.

Lots of bicyclists out enjoying the Esplanade on a pleasant weekend day. (from greenway website)

So, a run that potentially could have ended up bad due to my negative thoughts, ended up being a great long run for me.  Good steady pace throughout and a strong finish.  On the train ride home, I had a huge smile on my face, thus rendering me a dork.

I told Scott that in all runs, no matter how bad they may be, there is always something very good about it.  You can always find something great about a run.  This is the beauty of running.  Being that it is not a team sport, you can always strive to do better with each run.  But, each run doesn’t have to be fantastic.  There is no winning.  There is achieving your goals and there is feeling good about it.  Yesterdays run was going to be 6.5 miles but when I hit that point, I felt as if I had it in me to continue on for 2 more miles.  Uphill.  Then into Central Park.  That, plus hearing “You can do it”  helped me get through the last 2 miles of my run.  So, I achieved my goal and I felt pretty darn good about it.

8.5 miles in 1.33.30 which is a 10.52 pace.  But, I am going to be bold here and take off about 5 minutes from what my timex is telling me.  We stopped just a bit for water and GU break.  So, my pace reduces down to a 10.17 pace.  I’ll take it and be very happy with it.

Barney is gone.  Yes, you read right.  He lasted all of 3 days and then decided to shed his GPS software.  Was he weary bored with me already?  Did I overwork him a bit at speed work on Tuesday night?  Perhaps.  So, now I am back to using my timex and awaiting my next newly overhauled garmin 405.  The panic I felt at not having Seth and now Barney has subsided to a curious run by feel method.  I’m digging that a lot.  Just knowing that my run by feel pace is pretty strong, the garmin is something I no longer “need” on each and every run.

A lovely day on my boardwalk.  With the brilliant sunshine, the world  feels right.  And if only for today, I will take it and enjoy it.

I have a lot of ideas swirling around in my head and when I mentioned them to some folks it was met with positivity.  Gives me hope and lots of confidence.  Onward and upward.

“That’s the difference between me and the rest of the world! Happiness isn’t good enough for me! I demand euphoria!”