An evening of extremes

This is my summary of 2013's Corporate Challenge. I know, I said last year was my one and only, but I had to get a better time. 41 minutes should be easy to beat assuming I do not get a foot cramp again. The logistics that had me tied in knots last year (what to wear, what to bring, where to park, how much time to allow) weren't bothering me this year. I was focused on the run and I figured out what to eat and when to eat it. So...it began with stifling heat wearing a black Tshirt standing in the sun on a hot parking lot waiting to ride a yellow school bus. I was sweating before I even arrived at the race. Then came the extreme crowds. We were lined up at the starting line "asses to elbows" as my Dad likes to say. Literally, I could not move an inch without touching someone. Luckily I knew a few of those someones. The music was loud and the announcers were louder. My co-workers were trying to chit chat but I could only smile and nod. Finally the horn blew and the crowd slowly moved forward to begin the race. We passed the start line and started up the slight hill. Suddenly the only sounds were sneakers against pavement and concentrated breathing. Such a contrast to the loud music that it made me uncomfortable and I felt the need to attempt idle chit chat. It went mostly unanswered as we struggled to run uphill in the heat and humidity. Fast forward to the 2nd mile. Alone now. Lots of people but nobody I recognized and plenty of personal space to run...jog...walk...just keep going and stay relaxed so you don't get a foot cramp.  Sirens are heard in the distance. They sound closer. I turn around and see flashing lights!! I jump the curb and continue my slow plodding pace on the grass desperately seeking the 3 mile marker. An ambulance and two fire trucks blare their horns and spew their exhaust in my face before I see it. But when I do, I get a surge of energy and run faster. My legs feel like jello but I can see the finish line. I make it in three minutes less than last year! But I am still alone for the long walk back to our tent where nobody feels like talking. But once we recover and get some beer and food, we settle down for some fun. Then the lightning strikes and the clouds open up. I run for the bus line despite my aching thighs. This must be the "challenge" I think as I spy the relatively short bus line. But as I stand there I notice all the buses are full and the wind picks up and I am soaked and shivering. Yes, shivering when two hours earlier I was melting.   Soaked to the bone, I am happy to get on a bus and get back to my dry van. The storm put on quite a show my whole drive home, but I felt happy to have completed the "Challenge"   It should be renamed "Extreme Opposite Challenge" 

I was hot then cold, crowded then alone, surrounded by noise then quiet. A great memory but a bit surreal.

How much of running is mental?

The brochure promised a flat and fast 5K with a 1 mile fun run. I signed up my daughter and my son. I planned to drive them and cheer them on and maybe I would run. But which distance? I should not let my son run alone. What if he gets lost? Or gets a cramp? Were these just excuses? Did I have a 5K in me? Part of my brain was screaming "yes", the rest said "no". But my sleep was interrupted by thoughts of the longer run. But I am not rested enough. I did not carb load. Excuses again. Dave was up and ready early enough to go with us effectively eliminating half of my excuses. I decided to run the 5K but my head was still conflicted. Half nervous and half excited. Dave's wisdom to the rescue, "You have to run it and once you finish, all conflicts will be resolved and you'll be happy you ran the 5K". I signed up, pinned my number on, worried I was dressed too warmly, stretched, ignored my nervous stomach, and walked to the start line with my daughter. I stretched more as I told my daughter I felt like I had too much stuff. "You do", was her simple direct reply. She takes after her father but he had already walked to the fun run start line so I had nobody to hold my hat, sunglasses, or extra shirt. The bishop prayed for us and we were off. Some people passed me but that was expected. I started towards the front. But then more people passed me. And more and more. Am I last? I cannot look back. I did not look back. I just kept running. First mile: 8:16 - I let out a loud "woo". Is it ok to cheer for yourself? It was hot but I kept slogging along. That is how it felt - sloggy - slow jogging. Nobody else passed me for a mile or so but then a baby stroller! What? I need to speed up but I am too hot and I can't get any air into my lungs. Just keep going. It doesn't matter if you are last - as least you are out here trying! Wait I see my daughter cheering me on! The finish line must be close. "How close?" I mouth. She doesn't answer but then I see it! 30 minutes? I am not last! God bless the small races! When there are only 220 runners, it feels like you are last which pushes you to run faster! A mental trick! But does it work if I know it is a trick? Next race will be 8,000 people so we'll see.

Another broken family

Walking around the neighborhood last night I heard the telltale sound, "Bye Daddy! We love you!" in front of a house I knew was home to several polite blond children. On a Wednesday night, that can only mean one thing. Sure enough, the kids jumped out and ran up the steps into the house, and the man drove away with a somber face. Another pending divorce with standard custody arrangement of  Mom and kids staying in the house and Dad relegated to Wednesday dinners. So sad. And all too common on this block and I suspect many blocks in our town, in our state, in our country. Why do people let it go so far? Why don't they nurture their relationship before it is beyond repair? Thinking back, I remember this Dad playing with the kids, but gradually showing more and more stress. It is a shame that he did not .....what? what is the solution America? Why do some couples make it?

Pasta should be a dollar per pound no matter what the shape

This was uttered when it was discovered that the dollar box of pasta was reduced to twelve ounces.

Feet and food do not mix

this was uttered when a bare foot was placed on the dining room table during dinner.

When you buy something used to correct a mistake...

it is like saying "I know you are clumsy!" ...while shopping for a gift on a recent weekend.

Running without Listening

I don't mean music - I mean that inner voice that says "My knee hurts", "My lungs hurt", "I have the wrong socks on" - all excuses to stop running. Last fall I stopped listening and kept running. I found that the knee pain disappeared, my lungs got more efficient and clothing doesn't hold me back. Now I listen to the voice that says "I can run faster and further!"