Today was the first time I have ran in the rain. Maybe it is an early (or late) example of what Dam to Dam could be (or was) like. Actually, it was a light rain, so I wasn't drenched before running like this year's D2D runners were prior to start. After yesterday's 5.7 miles, I wanted something easy, so I decided to run my standby 5k. Funny, I say I wanted something easy...Two months ago I would have scoffed at a 5k being "easy."
So off I went in the rain. My pace was good (not too fast). It was a cool 63 degrees and the light rain actually felt rather good. As I run by the store windows on the square, I always glance at my reflection in them to see if I can make any improvements in my gait, or posture as I run. I look fine to me. In my mind's eye though, I am always running too slow. I am also trying to be cognizant of lengthening my strides when going down hills. Why not take advantage of gravity? And my breathing is getting much more controlled. I don't seem to huff and puff as I run. This metamorphosis is rather enjoyable.
I kept running throughout most of my workout this morning. Coming down the last hill before a small up and right turn into the home stretch, I lengthened my stride again and put in some speed. I finished this morning's run in 23:48. My pulse was 156 and of course I was running on Performance (low again this morning).
When I look at my progress over the last two months, I am pleased. I have lost 9+ pounds (and kept it off). I have kicked my caffeine habit (addiction/obsession...whatever you want to call it). OK, it was beyond all that. I was living in constant "crash," trying to catch the next lift or buzz. I was a junkie. Granted it was all sugar free (diabetes), but a lot of carbonated water and aspartame. There are a lot of side effects listed on the following website that I can relate to (Sweet Poison). With the amount of Diet Mtn. Dew, Red Bull, Monster, Venom, Nuclear Lite, Rock Star, etc. I was drinking, anything is possible. But, like I said early on, my water consumption has increased a hundred fold (probably close to a gallon a day). My body is using oxygen much more efficiently. And I am probably eating better. Now, if the Glucosamine would get to work on my joints, I'd be set. Ten months to go til Dam to Dam 2011. I'll make it.
I'd venture to guess there is a possibility of a marathon in here somewhere...Oh god, did I just type that?
myk
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