364 Days, 9 Hours

364 days, 9 hours

That’s about how long it’s been – give or take a few minutes and a time zone – since I crossed the finish of my 100^th marathon.  It’s also how long since my last real run.  (We’re not counting those little 200-yard teasers as part of the Cross-Fit experience.  Especially since by round 3 of the “WOD” or “Workout of the Day” I knew it would be easier to run a few more miles than to do more burpees or push-ups.)

So – have I learned anything?  I’d like to say my body has changed, but in truth I never got very scientific about it so I’m not sure.   The same pants all still fit so that’s a good thing.  I DID move a couch all by myself last week (and this journey included a couple of steps as our house has many levels), so I’d like to think that those P90X videos helped with something.  Speaking of those, yes, I still do them.  I HAVE learned to change my lazy ways in strength training and I’ve finally embraced the idea of cutting down the cardio to pick up some weights & work in those damn squats & lunges.  I hope that this continues once I’m free on the roads again.

I have learned (or rather reinforced what I already knew) that my husband is a very patient & understanding man.  When I realized I still needed an endurance workout each week and turned to the pool, he had very little complaint about me spending 2-3 hours underwater each Saturday.  It’s one thing to deal with the long runs, but at least those weren’t limited to the 1-5pm lap times.  I have grown to enjoy those long swims, and am truly considering keeping them in there a few times a month, even as I increase my running mileage once again.

I have learned that in addition to my husband I have friends & family that support my weird little exercise quirks.  They were extremely helpful in getting me into Y’s, health clubs, and country clubs for access to pools or Zumba classes, and my brother even trolled alongside while I swam the lake in Canada so I wouldn’t be run over by a bass boat or jet skier.  (Though in my mind this was actually secondary to having a quick escape should I happen upon a snake in the water.)

I have learned that that number – THAT DAMN NUMBER ON THE SCALE is a real pain in the ass and really should be ignored most of the time.   Did you just have a great workout?  Yes.  Do your pants fit?  Yes.  Do you feel good?  Yes.  Then STEP AWAY FROM THE EVIL LITTLE THING.  Just walk away and enjoy your day.

I have learned that I have no shortage of ego when it comes the assessment of my own endurance.  While my husband and son are signed up for this weekend’s Hot Chocolate 5K here in Chicago, I’m entered into the 15K.   What is wrong with me?  I only hope there is still chocolate fondue left by the time I finish.

I have also learned that Baker Boys (melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes) in Highland Park is approximately 7 ½ miles from my house.  Can you say “destination run”?

I have learned that I’m lousy at sitting down to write.  Or perhaps there wasn’t all that much to be writing.  At least if someone wanted to read through every post at once it doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment.  There will still be plenty of time for a good run.

Keep moving.