running: the dawn

Goodness.  I need to get back into the habit of doing my weekly recap on Fridays like I used to.  Waiting the few extra days really does mess with my memory…

Here’s what I’m pretty sure happened:

Sunday: 15 miles in the snow
Monday: Jazzercise & Insanity
Tuesday: 7.5 miles & Insanity; meant to to 6 miles, but was enjoying myself too much to stop
Wednesday: 1 mile & Insanity; yeah…I must have used all my good running energy on Tuesday, cause I just didn’t have it in me
Thursday: 6 miles, Jazzercise & Insanity
Friday: 10.5 miles & Insanity

Total Miles: 40

I really had several make it or break it moments this past week….I don’t understand how my running emotions could be on such a roller coaster.  Tuesday, I was just running on my treadmill having a great time watching Glee and Biggest Loser.  Then Wednesday there was absolutely nothing I could do to motivate, bribe, or reason my way into running more than that one measly mile.  I had no interest in running.  Period.  Then on Friday, it was so beautiful outside: sunny and 38*.  I was able to get 10 miles in right after work.  I swear, every time I think I’ve got myself figured out something unexpected happens and I feel like I’m back at square one.

Meanwhile, I was tagged again, by Marcia at Running off at the Mouth to answer another set of questions.  So here we go!

Here are your questions:
1. How did you start running?

I used to run a little when I played basketball in highschool and the first few years of college.  I did not enjoy it one bit!  Then, come my senior year, I needed one more “activity” credit in order to graduate, and the only one that would fit with my schedule was a “Running for Everyone” class at 7am.  Needless to say, I didn’t always wake up early enough to make it to the group run (which is really all the class was), so I needed some extra credit.  The instructor was training for a local half marathon the week before graduation and invited people who needed to earn point to run with him on the weekends.  We had to run for a full hour to get the extra credit.  Through that process I decided that I might as well run the half, since I was “training” with him.  I still remember the first time I ran for 45 minutes without stopping, the first time I ran 6 miles, and every step of that first half marathon (in the pouring rain).

2. If you could run just one more race, which one would it be?

Boston.  Which I am.  In exactly 126 days.

3. What’s your favorite post-race treat?

Pizza with green olives.  That’s all I ever want after a race.  And some root beer.

4. What’s your favorite distance and why?

I both love and fear the marathon the most.  I enjoy running halfs, have a hard time taking 5 and 10k’s very seriously cause I know I’m not fast…but I am completely enchanted by the Marathon.  After Boston, I look forward to running some marathons for fun rather than speed so that I can “make nice” with the distance that is so punishing.

5. What’s on tap for 2011?

Right now?  Just Boston, April 18.  I’m toying with the idea of another spring race.  I’d love to do the Holy Half Marathon again, but its the week before Boston…which makes me nervous, but it’s a great race and I love the course.