Side by side

Besides revolving around meals, movies, and study time; many of my first dates with Husband, back in the spring of 1981, involved running. We would run the perimeter of campus then go to the coliseum to run up and down the stairs between each section of seats. We would end up back at my apartment and sit on the stone wall out front talking. My dear roommates would whoop from the upstairs window. Today we celebrate 27 years of marriage. Happy anniversary, Husband!

Gotta run…

Looks can be deceiving

A few weeks ago I decided to go to the Olympic Stadium for some speed work on the track since the sidewalks were still treacherous. The track was ten times worse, so I just made one loop and was about to head out when the groundskeepers stopped me and asked if I had the key, cause they were about to leave. They didn’t say, “scram, we’re about to lock up,” they asked if I had the key! Do I kinda look like someone who would have the key?

Gotta run…

Slip sliding away

The last pair of running shoes I bought have virtually no traction when there is the slightest bit of moisture on the road. One of the first times I wore them last fall, I stepped on a manhole cover, slipped and nearly ended up under a car. A moving car, might I add. This has been the coldest winter I can remember. There have been patches of ice on the ground for months now, so I’ve been mostly wearing my old worn out shoes. Maybe I'll take some sandpaper to the soles of the newer shoes to see if that helps.

Gotta run…

No turning back

2°C outside. I wore the appropriate number of layers for that temperature. But as soon as I had gone a few steps I realised the dreaded bise (our north wind) was blowing. Oh well, in 20 minutes I would turn around and at least I wouldn't be facing the wind anymore. I was already out the door, so I didn’t go back for my windbreaker, or my gloves. The same thing happens when I realize I’m dressed too warmly. What is it that keeps me from going back once I’m out the door? Maybe it’s the same mechanism that prevents men from stopping and asking for directions when they are lost. It’s a mystery to me.

Gotta run…

Glutton for punishment, or just plain glutton?

This morning I read about the Krispy Kreme Challenge. Contestants run 2 miles to the Krispy Kreme store, eat a dozen doughnuts, then run back. My question was; how did they get the idea for this race, one college students said to another: "bet you can't run to Krispy Kreme, eat a dozen doughnuts, then run back"? I googled the event and sure enough:

The Krispy Kreme Challenge started in December 2004 as a dare between a few NC State undergraduate students.

The good news is:

All proceeds from the Krispy Kreme Challenge are donated to the North Carolina Children's Hospital.

Gotta run...

Mixing it up

I’ve always done most of my running alone, but in the course of one week, I had three different running partners. I ran hills at tempo pace with Husband. My end of the conversation was mostly monosyllabic. A few days later I went for a long run with New Running Buddy at a comfortable pace. We chatted in whole sentences. Then I ran with Track Team College Student at try-to-keep-up-without-passing-out pace. I tried to ask lots of open-ended questions to keep her talking!

Gotta run…

Fill ‘er up!

Speaking of calories, I’ve always thought that they get a bad rap. After all, we couldn’t take a step without them. Calories are the “gas” with which we fuel our bodies. Just remember to take into consideration what kind of gas mileage your body gets. Let’s say you are a Smart car. You are going to need much less gas (calories) than your Ford pickup of a husband to go the same distance. Question is, is this good news or bad news?

Gotta run…

A nice place to visit

Last week, Husband and I were in Gruyères for our semi-annual stay. With early nightfall, below freezing temperatures and slippery roads; I only got two short runs in. Not near enough to compensate for all the meringues and double cream for breakfast and heavy restaurant meals in the evening. It’s probably a good thing we don’t live up there with that constant temptation! The meringues and double cream I brought home with me are almost gone. I’ll have to put in lots of miles this week to burn those extra calories.

Gotta run...