10 down
I had written out this huge lovely introspective post summing up my 10-Miler experience. Twice, in fact, and the internet ate it alive both times. Thanks, mobile internet version of LJ! I wrote about what it meant to me to have set this ridiculous goal of running 10 miles, and how either I surround myself with too many runners because 10 miles doesn't seem that much, especially at my pace, or I surround myself with unathletic people because HOLY FLURKING SCHNITT 10 MILES! I can't even name a location 10 miles away from my house, it's rare that I drive that amount, let alone traverse it on foot at an exertional level!
Erin was a godsend (so to speak). Aside from the constant motivation the thought of "running the race with Erin" provided (sometimes the only motivation, so I wouldn't be wasting hers & Jason's time), the cheering, yelling, managering, and all-out encouragement she provided was AWESOME. I remember saying, about her drill-sargeanting, at around 9.5 mi, "I want to push you into this mud! But I won't because I appreciate the motivation!"
Despite what I said in the car (I blame belated runner's high), I don't think I'd do 10 miles again. Or if I do, it'll be after a loooooooooong slow progressive build-up to that distance. I think I like doing 6-7 mi as long runs.
The other big deal, the more introspective deal, focused on what it meant to me to set a goal and achieve it. I mean, I didn't make my ideal time, and I did have to walk, but I did it all in under 2 hrs, I crossed the finish line strong, and I could smile at the end. And c'mon, I finished at all. I'm not really one for setting goals or accomplishing things or doing stuff, so the fact that I got up, did it, and accomplished it, I'm still amazed a week later. It makes me realize that maybe I can set long-term goals and follow through with them. But sparingly :)
Race aside, it was fun to see Erin & Jason again. It was great to hang out with people who are happy to sit around and play games and chat and laugh at stupid stuff (aside: I still sing the "Fresh Step" jingle), and great to be with friends who are where we are in life, down to the left-handed spouse being back in school and supported by the other in a barely tolerable office job (we love you for it!). It really should not be a once a year thing, and I'm going to work on correcting that. Well, I guess we all will, unless I want to show up by myself to Chicago and find them not at home :)
I keep meaning to sit down and write about my clinicals and how it feels to be slowly developing career skills, but by god I do that enough for school.
Erin was a godsend (so to speak). Aside from the constant motivation the thought of "running the race with Erin" provided (sometimes the only motivation, so I wouldn't be wasting hers & Jason's time), the cheering, yelling, managering, and all-out encouragement she provided was AWESOME. I remember saying, about her drill-sargeanting, at around 9.5 mi, "I want to push you into this mud! But I won't because I appreciate the motivation!"
Despite what I said in the car (I blame belated runner's high), I don't think I'd do 10 miles again. Or if I do, it'll be after a loooooooooong slow progressive build-up to that distance. I think I like doing 6-7 mi as long runs.
The other big deal, the more introspective deal, focused on what it meant to me to set a goal and achieve it. I mean, I didn't make my ideal time, and I did have to walk, but I did it all in under 2 hrs, I crossed the finish line strong, and I could smile at the end. And c'mon, I finished at all. I'm not really one for setting goals or accomplishing things or doing stuff, so the fact that I got up, did it, and accomplished it, I'm still amazed a week later. It makes me realize that maybe I can set long-term goals and follow through with them. But sparingly :)
Race aside, it was fun to see Erin & Jason again. It was great to hang out with people who are happy to sit around and play games and chat and laugh at stupid stuff (aside: I still sing the "Fresh Step" jingle), and great to be with friends who are where we are in life, down to the left-handed spouse being back in school and supported by the other in a barely tolerable office job (we love you for it!). It really should not be a once a year thing, and I'm going to work on correcting that. Well, I guess we all will, unless I want to show up by myself to Chicago and find them not at home :)
I keep meaning to sit down and write about my clinicals and how it feels to be slowly developing career skills, but by god I do that enough for school.