Running.

Been a long time since I've made a post about running. I guess theater wasn't the only thing I lost the spark for in all of the emotional drama of the past year. Plus, I've had that illness that just manifests itself as exhaustion (yes, it's actually an illness - I've been very good the past month or so). So. Even though I've managed to get out & run 3 times a weeks for the past 3 weeks, it's still not been fun.

Last night, though. Last night was fun. I kind of feel like I'm developing a respiratory infection (thank you so much, Martin), so I didn't wear my GPS/stopwatch and just let my body dictate how fast I went. I'm sure I was slow as hell, probably at 10:30 pace, but I felt like I could run forever. It was lovely. I cleared about 4 miles until I decided it was time to go home. Those runs are the best - when you feel like you can run and run and run, and your legs won't give out, and your lungs aren't on fire, and it's just a good day.

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I've modified my goal again. I wanted to run the Filbert Steps, but, my right knee and my right quad have started complaining very loudly, especially when I'm running hills (of which there are a lot in SF. Shocking, I know). The knee is a known issue - the quad is a worrying recent development. I think perhaps the new shoes aren't that great for me, but I can't afford another pair right now. So, orthotics and lots and lots of yoga are the current plan. Also, much more flat-surface running, which translates to the Embarcadero and China Basin, if I'm feeling up for it. The Marina is flat, too, but there's a BIG FUCKING HILL in between me and it. Which, really, is better for everyone concerned. Less chance for me to go on a yuppie-kicking spree.

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I miss running. I miss the joy, the addiction to it, the quiet peace of running in the mornings, the exhausted feeling of accomplishment after completing a long run. I miss the sun coming up over the Minneapolis skyline as I ran the western edge of Lake Calhoun. I miss the quiet crunch of the snow and the sound of my breathing in the dark. I miss that zone.

I don't know if I can get that zone back here - my easily-accessible running routes are not zone-friendly. Too many people to dodge (and swear at), which is fun in its own twisted way. And me being me, if something is not easily-accessible, I won't do it. It's okay - there's a different kind of joy here. I just need to get it back.

Ask and ye shall receive.....

A work friend just informed me of two races, and I've dragooned aimeejmc into running at one of them with me. Whee!

1st: Komen Race For The Cure, Sunday, September 24th, 9 a.m. 5K out-and-back, Embarcadero. Very good cause, short & sweet, fun! I could even possibly get a PR there.

2nd: Bridge to Bridge Race, Sunday, October 1st, 9 a.m. 12K point-to-point, Ferry Building to Crissy Field. Partially flat, but there's a 30% grade in there. I know that hill. That hill is eeeeeeevil. Still. 7.5 miles is a respectable distance, and one I'd like to get back up to. I definitely wouldn't be trying for a PR on that course.