Success!

Despite not training at all for two weeks...despite the cold that will not go away...despite this being my first outdoor run of the year...I am pretty damn pleased with myself. I finished 1:12:05 in the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day 10K, less than six minutes slower than my best time in the gym. And I finished strong, and ahead of more than 500 people. I once again achieved my racing goal: to not come in last.

Here's some professional photos of me at the finish line. I think I look good.


Boston is now less than a month away. I'm nervous but eager.

Man down!

"Sinus Infection: The Sequel" is so, so much worse than the first one. I think the problem was a) I didn't take the time to rest and recuperate from the one that popped up three weeks ago; b) I've been working a lot of long hours while continually increasing my mileage; c) because of time constraints, I've been going out with my hair still wet (never a good idea); d) leaving the gym all hot and sweaty and entering frigid freaking air; and e) my body just hates me.

I only did two miles on Monday. And that's all I've done this week. I had a fever of 103 on Wednesday and I finally dragged myself to the doctor on Thursday. He gave me the same antibiotic he prescribed when I had a kidney infection -- strong stuff. It's Saturday -- the pills have definitely helped but this thing is lingering like a creepy dude in a doorway. I need to feel better ASAP. My 10K is next Saturday.

The times, they are a-changing

In ninth grade, I quit field hockey on the second day of practice because my coach wanted of all us to run a mile. My response was, essentially, "Fuck that."

The first time I ran a mile -- ran the complete mile, without a break -- was my senior year of college, a full seven years later. I felt amazing on that day.

Today, I felt disappointed in myself because I could only manage to eke out two miles because my ankles were killing me (note to self: stop wearing heels so often). That was two solid miles of running, and I felt bad because I couldn't go further.

I'm just sharing this because I'm pleased with how my mind frame has changed. I know I can be better and do better.

Baby, I was born this way

Born what way, you ponder? I was born to constantly become better. And that's what I've been doing. Tonight, for example: I was tired and had a pretty bad headache but I went to the gym after my assignment. I hopped on the treadmill and used my cheat code to override the 60-minute limit (in your face, the Man!), warmed up and keyed up my "Move Your Body" mix on my little iPod. And then I freaking ran. For 47 minutes straight. More than 4 miles. I felt amazing. I was breathing good, my legs felt fine but my tummy was being a bitch. Perhaps buffalo chicken pizza with blue cheese for lunch wasn't the best idea.

But! I was at more than 5.6 miles at the hour mark, and hit my 10K distance at 66:15. I wanted to shout in victory. I did not. But I'm feeling good, man. The blisters on the inside of my heels are callusing over nicely and I'm actually feeling like I might hit that hour goal I have for the St. Patty's Day Race.