First Non-Running Running Injury

So I ran into a fence yesterday. Well, a fence gate. I had a fun run all planned... run two miles on the track, leave the track and run the short distance to the trail, run that, run back to the track and run two more miles, then finish off with another run on the trail.

As I neared the end of my first two miles on the track, I got antsy. Running in circles for eight laps is a little mind numbing. As I finished the last lap, I ran towards the gate to leave the track. I flung the gate open to run through. Unfortunately, it popped back at me and the gate latch hit me square in the shoulder/upper bicep.

Man did that hurt! I almost stopped... but then I thought that keeping my blood circulating by running would most likely speed the healing, so I kept going. I'm not sure if the field groomer saw or heard me gasp, but I was in too much pain to be embarrassed. The rest of my run was okay, but when I stepped out of the shower later on... OUCH.

I have a small bruise, NOTHING like what it should look like considering how it feels!

At least it's not an overuse injury!

100 Mile Mark!

As of last night and in about 3 months time, I have run over 100 miles! I have run over 18 hours. I can't think of time better spent.

I know I'm a runner, but I really think the first time I step out in the snow this winter to go for a run will be the shining moment that tells me, "You're not a runner. You're a RUNNER". I bought my first long sleeved running shirt on Saturday, and it was kind of a confirmation, like, yes, I will be out in the cold, running.

Distances play with my mind. I think of a 5 miler as moderately challenging, yet when I drive the 5 miles I ran, I can't believe how far it is. I would like to get up to 8 miles for my long run. At that point I will need to either start stashing water along the route or buy a fuel belt. Maybe even a gel. I'm slightly surprised I'm just about at that level.

My overall conditioning has improved. I no longer need days off between running to recover. My shortest runs are 5K, unless I do a mile or two of speed work (which sucks, but is totally necessary).

I feel pretty good about what I've accomplished for myself, and I wonder what's next!

I need new routes

I ran an uninteresting 5 miles today downtown. I'm bored with my usual 4 mile mapped route, so I decided to map out 5 miles south from where I usually run. It was nice and flat with wide sidewalks, but not much to look at.

I use this site http://www.sueandpaul.com/gmapPedometer/ to map street distances. It's great because it gives you mile markers and you know exactly how far you're running. Even with this awesome tool, I'm having trouble finding nice places to run, that are also far enough. For example, I tried to map a loop throughout our historic millyard, but it just wasn't long enough to avoid turning around and running back the same way I came.

I'm also finding that I have quite the inner dialogue going on. I'm probably a little schizo, but that wouldn't surprise many. It started with an inner coach cheering me on, but now it's more like:

Me: "Why do I do this?"
Inside Me: "Because you can. Because it makes you look good, feel good, and your lungs are getting stronger."

Me: "What if I just stopped right now and started walking?"
Inside Me: "You could if you wanted to, but then you'd have to walk two miles back to the car. Might as well run it."

Me: "This sucks."
Inside Me: "Mile 3 of any run has always sucked for you. Keep going and it will get better."

Me: "I want to stop."
Inside Me: "Why? What hurts? Nothing. Can you breathe? Yes. Keep going."

My inner self is tough, and it can be tougher on some days, like "Suck it up and run!" or sometimes I need a break and it will say, "Good job, keep going, you're almost there."

In my life right now, nothing, and I mean NOTHING feels as close to heaven as my post run stretch. If I'm lucky, a light breeze will blow over me as I lay in the grass. I love looking up at the sky and feeling my tired muscles stretch and loosen. I always take my time stretching. When I get up, I feel energized and happy. Then I get hungry :-)

Witch City Halloween 5K

My next race will be the Witch City 5K in Salem, Mass! It's on Sunday, October 23 and starts in the Salem Willows.

The event is the kickoff to the final week of Salem's Haunted Happenings for Halloween. Participants can wear costumes, and I think I will dress as a runner! Haha.

I've always loved Salem, MA. The most accurate psychic shop I know is in Derby Square. I try to go once a year to get a reading. They record it on cassette tape, and listening to it six months to a year later confirms that they are indeed accurate.

I'll probably try to get a reading after the race.