In Case You Were Wondering.... Being Sick SUCKS!!

OK, so taking a week off of running just before the half marathon you're supposed to run on February 28th is not the necessarily the best idea. On the other hand having the family shut down for a week with strep (especially Mom being totally out of commission) can put a kink in any training program.

I ran 4 miles today, my first run in week. And ya know what? I felt pretty dog gone good doing it. I was just cruising right along. In fact it was the best run I've had in two weeks. Which is always pleasing when you're over 40. Actually, any physical endeavor that leaves you feeling unaffected when you are over 40 flats out ROCKS!! Don't get me wrong I'm still fairly freaked out about running a half marathon this Saturday. Wait, did I just say this Saturday? So, maybe a touch more than fairly freaked, but I've run 11.5 miles so I think I'll be OK. My wife is ready, which for as sick as she was is kind of amazing. But, as I have said, she's in better shape than me, which is still annoying.

After this run is over three things are gonna happen: 1. I'm going to drink some beers for the first time since the Super Bowl. 2. I'm going to eat some really greasy, nasty bar food. 3. I'm going to ride my bike for a while. As for now I'm to going to just be a regular guy running. See you in the beer tent!!

OK, so I can do this, or 13.1 miles is REALLY far.

On Saturday I ran as far as I ever have run for any reason, at anytime for anything. 10.65 miles to be exact. I have a longer run this Saturday. WOW! First, I never thought I could do any of this. Second, my last 3 runs have been TERRIBLE!! They hurt, a lot. But as most anyone who runs will tell you, base runs are like money in the bank. They are always there when you need them. And in 3 weeks I'll be using some of those savings!!

Fortunately for me, my wife has also decided to take this journey with me (she's in better shape than me, which is kind of annoying) and she talked me off the ledge during my last long run. I was done mentally. I couldn't do it, I wasn't ready, my feet hurt, the sun was in my eyes, you get the picture. She calmly reminded me to slow down, walk a bit, collect myself and start running again. Thank you for that, because it worked, although it still hurt, I finished the run.

For an inexperienced runner I believe a training partner(s) is essential. For experienced runners is certainly nothing less than beneficial. Accountability, motivation, and support all rolled into one handy package. The fact of the matter is 13.1 miles is far. And I need all the help I can get. I have never run a 5K in sub 30 minutes. What business do I have running a half marathon? Well, 10 weeks ago, NONE. But, now there has been progress made. I can go run 5 miles anytime right now. Unheard of for me 2 months ago. I can also eat like pretty much anything I want right now and not see it on the scale. I do, however, feel it when running. Bad food equals bad performance plain and simple. To believe otherwise is foolish. Athletes are made not only in their training, but in their kitchens as well. Gotta have both to see the drastic improvements. I've lost only 5 pounds during this escapade. I should have lost more, but my eating has been far from perfect. I'll take the 5 lbs!! Besides my clothes fit better.

So, if you are reading this, and you can't see your shoes (Shibes!) and you want to, just start moving. Motion is the potion. Be consistent, with at least 3 times a week of exercise. Get a training partner, and before you know you'll wonder what happened to the old you. Yeah you'll have bad days, they come and go, but in the end you'll feel better and in fact be better. Hey, if a balding (ok so I'm most of the way there), overweight, 40 something, white can do it so can you!!