The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

There weren't many people out at the park the other morning (I can't remember which day it was--the holidays make things run together a bit). It was about 41 degrees and raining steadily, the kind of morning that makes it really tough to get out of bed. But the holidays had thrown things off enough, so I reluctantly headed out the door. I had on my most "waterproof" jacket and a running cap to try to combat the weather. It didn't really work, but it was worth the try. Not wanting to ruin my iPod, I left it at home, so all I had for company were the random thoughts rattling around in my head. I watched the water drip off of the brim of my running cap as I pounded out a couple of loops around the park.

Strange as it sounds, I love mornings like that. They prepare you for race day more than anything, I think. On a day like that (or one that is hot, humid, windy, whatever), if you can get through a workout that isn't coupled to the adrenaline surge that comes with a bib number and a starters pistol, there isn't much that a race can throw at you that you can't handle.

And man, did that cup of hot coffee taste good afterward. Mmmmmmm...

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The Aramco Half is next weekend. I'm as ready as I'll ever be, I think. I've been training pretty hard the last couple of months--a steady diet of long runs with a fast group, track workouts with a different, yet equally fast group, and a nice, relaxing holiday all helped. I still have a couple of minor physiological obstacles to overcome, but nothing that should really slow me down too much. I'm looking forward to spring racing season--hopefully it will be a good one...