notes from a runner....

*this one comes to mind from grandma's marathon weekend a few weeks ago.....one cardinal rule for any spectator (runner or not) that goes to cheer at a race.... NEVER yell 'you're almost there!' unless, by God, the runner *is* almost there. I had someone yell that at us at mile 7 of my half marathon. I almost was my complete smart a** self and just about yelled out 'do you REALIZE how far we are into this race?!?! we are SO not almost there!'. yell something else like 'looking strong!' 'nice work!', or if you really are within 1/2 a mile of the finish line,
'YOU GOT IT! BRING IT HOME!' which i yelled for about 2 hours at marathoners finishing to help them get to that finish line....

*just got back from a 5 miler. worked til 9, ran @ 9:30pm. got a killer side stitch about 3.5 miles in. so bad i couldn't breathe let alone run. (a few 4 letter words fit here) i had a great pace going and then that happened. GRRRRR. but somehow it abated and i just had to keep going....cuz if that happened during a race,i'd have to deal and walk or power through it, but in order to run you have to breathe and if your diaphragm is completely cramped up preventing breathing, well, then that's a problem. so i have to check with the coach about how to get rid of those better if they occur....

*running at night. yes, i wore a vest. yes, i had reflective stuff on. here's a favor to drivers. if you see a runner coming at you (which is where we are SUPPOSED to run for safety so we can see what's coming at us) *please* move over if you are able. runners prefer to run on asphalt vs. concrete. concrete can really wreak havoc on the knees, joints, etc. asphalt actually has at least a bit of give, and it's much better to run on. so if there's a sidewalk and you see a runner in the road, usually this is why. we the runners are not doing it to piss anyone off. i swear. i so appreciate those drivers who actually pull out wide in order to allow me to get my run on vs those, on their phone, texting, whatever that think it's great fun to try and see if i'll move. i'm not saying runners own the world, but there are ways to share the world (and the roads which is one reason i run off peak hours from most traffic)....

*there's one huge difference in this summer olympic year than in 2004....i wasn't a runner then. i am now. and i'm hooked on watching these olympic trials in track & field. (also *love* to watch diving, swimming & gymnastics...) watching these olympians makes me appreciate and respect track stars even more. and it might just put a little extra kick into my running (besides watching and idolizing my amazing teammates). and running *is* cheaper than therapy so just the momentary hour or two to clear the mind and just take in the world without technology is something i've become addicted to savoring...even if it's one of the hardest things i've ever learned to do.

*and to close, i am running a race with a friend & colleague on the 4th of July. Sounds festive and will make those margaritas that night with our friends that much more refreshing :) have a great week and welcome July. peace, love & fireworks! ~jd

ps that pic above is from me running @ Grandma's.