A Beautiful Day

Many marathon training programs are structured in what they call a step-up, step-back format. This means that for two weeks, you build the mileage of your long run and on the third week, you slightly decrease the mileage so that your body has a chance to recover. This week was a step-back week for me, so yesterday's long run was a brief eight miles. Knowing I had a short run, I got up a little later than usual since I wouldn't mind running after the sun began to warm the pavement. Normally, if I have a very long run, I get up and out there as early as possible before it starts to get too steamy. I chose my downtown New Haven route yesterday, which is one of my favorites. My legs felt fantastic, and I probably could have continued running much longer. But, I stuck to the plan. On the way back to the house, I decided to head into Eli Whitney Park to finish the last mile on one of the trails. Trail running is so invigorating and is great for building body awareness and stabilizer muscles. The first time I ran on the trails, I tripped over a ridiculously small rock, ripped my pants and completely banged up my knee. I learned my lesson that day and now every time I run through the woods, I enjoy it more than the previous.

I woke this morning so excited for the upcoming day. Sunday is YOGA day, which always such a treat. But, I also had a reunion to look forward to this afternoon. The first half of class was fast and challenging. And, of course, I forgot my towel on the day that I would be sweating like crazy. But, we eased into some of my favorite poses and ended class on a great note. As always, I walked out of the gym feeling so refreshed.

Schoolwork was calling my name as I walked into the house, but I knew I only had a short time. I did what I could in an hour and then hopped in the car to pick up Colleen on my way to meet Karin for a very long overdue meeting. As I saw Karin walking towards us, I thought "No, she looks WAY too good to have just had a chemo treatment." I'm so proud of her. The weather was absolutely perfect, so we sat out on the patio and got lost in our catch-up. It's been nine years since we have seen each other - way too long. We parted vowing not to let it go so long again. It's so wonderful to see great people who may have drifted out of your life, to hear all of the things they have accomplished and who they have become. Friendship is a very powerful thing that many of us take for granted.

I head off to sleep tonight awaiting my three miles and weight training session tomorrow morning. Weight training will only continue for another month before my body can't take the stress of running high mileage. But, the longer I can continue to lift weights, the better my muscles will be prepared for the big race.