Training has been depressing. My foot doesn't feel like it's getting any better and now the pool is closed until at least next year. No more aqua-jogging for me. Boo! Lost in the morass of self pity and the depths of rehab despair, I've come up with a plan to survive the winter/rehab blahs.
Step one of the plan is positive thinking. I need to do things that keep me motivated to run again. Things like Volunteering! While watching others run is somewhat depressing because I can't run, it also reminds me that if I stick to "the plan," I will be doing that soon. Fast, slow, run, walk-- I love watching the people go. I wonder at the motivation for each runner.
This morning I volunteered at the Secret City Half Marathon in Oak Ridge, TN. It's a beautiful place and just over an hour away from home. One catch, the quickest way for me to get there is all two-lane roads loaded with switchbacks. I made myself carsick driving there. I dragged my mom with me and she took over the driving just in time for me to toss my breakfast. All of it, on the side of the road. I do not travel well. After that I felt better. Bundled into multiple layers and wearing 2 hats I was ready to course monitor and of course cheer! More cowbell! Woo Hoo!
I only had 1 runner go a bit off course. He got away from me! He was the second fastest runner. People of all shapes, sizes and speeds were running. Several ladies were wearing the Secret City T-shirt with black sunglasses attached to a shoulder, with neck ties, black and white checkered stockings, and cute skirts. They made excellent Agent Provocateurs. Not only did I get to people watch, I got to learn a little about traffic control. As in, some people really shouldn't be allowed to drive! What part of "no turn" is unclear? I am certain that this handful of drivers are the ones who hit runners and cyclists. The only time I felt my heart leap was when an SUV decided to go when the officer directing traffic had to turn his back to yell at the car in the turn lane. This impatient driver nearly hit the cyclist that was leading the lead runner.
With that catastrophe adverted, the rest of the day ran pretty smooth. The last walker just made the course cut off at the turn to Emory Valley. After that we packed it in, returned to the start, ate pizza and cookies and met up with a few friends. I even earned a blister on my finger from all the cowbell. It was a brilliant Sunday morning.
My foot may not feel better but my spirits do.
Now, it's time for some core work. GRRR! Go get it!
Step one of the plan is positive thinking. I need to do things that keep me motivated to run again. Things like Volunteering! While watching others run is somewhat depressing because I can't run, it also reminds me that if I stick to "the plan," I will be doing that soon. Fast, slow, run, walk-- I love watching the people go. I wonder at the motivation for each runner.
This morning I volunteered at the Secret City Half Marathon in Oak Ridge, TN. It's a beautiful place and just over an hour away from home. One catch, the quickest way for me to get there is all two-lane roads loaded with switchbacks. I made myself carsick driving there. I dragged my mom with me and she took over the driving just in time for me to toss my breakfast. All of it, on the side of the road. I do not travel well. After that I felt better. Bundled into multiple layers and wearing 2 hats I was ready to course monitor and of course cheer! More cowbell! Woo Hoo!
I only had 1 runner go a bit off course. He got away from me! He was the second fastest runner. People of all shapes, sizes and speeds were running. Several ladies were wearing the Secret City T-shirt with black sunglasses attached to a shoulder, with neck ties, black and white checkered stockings, and cute skirts. They made excellent Agent Provocateurs. Not only did I get to people watch, I got to learn a little about traffic control. As in, some people really shouldn't be allowed to drive! What part of "no turn" is unclear? I am certain that this handful of drivers are the ones who hit runners and cyclists. The only time I felt my heart leap was when an SUV decided to go when the officer directing traffic had to turn his back to yell at the car in the turn lane. This impatient driver nearly hit the cyclist that was leading the lead runner.
With that catastrophe adverted, the rest of the day ran pretty smooth. The last walker just made the course cut off at the turn to Emory Valley. After that we packed it in, returned to the start, ate pizza and cookies and met up with a few friends. I even earned a blister on my finger from all the cowbell. It was a brilliant Sunday morning.
My foot may not feel better but my spirits do.
Now, it's time for some core work. GRRR! Go get it!
