Sometimes You Have to Go with the Weather

It was Monday morning, and I was physically and emotionally exhausted. It had been one of those taxing kind of weekends - and Sunday, in particular, hadn't gone all that well. Those Mondays can feel kind of bleak. And this Monday was one of the last available shopping and getting ready for Christmas days. So, I really didn't feel like running - or at least not far.

But ... it was warm. It was a little rainy, but it was warm. And, you don't get many warm Mondays in December in Boston. So, I kind of needed to go for a "long run." So, after Brenda encouraged me to go for it, I strapped on my gear and went for a 12-miler. Once I got over my own consternation of how I didn't really want to be running, it was good. I went slow and steady, and I am glad I did it. The run seemed to break the Monday funk right off of me. Maybe there is something to learn in this.

We are just over 10% of the way to our fund-raising goal.
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In the Rain and Snow

Today a struggled deciding whether to run or exercise inside. There was a mixture of rain and snow outside - and it was so warm inside. But, I hadn't been out for a run longer than 6 miles for a while, and the week wasn't working out well to put in many miles schedule-wise. So, I suited up and went for it.

I did 10 miles in the weather mix, and I really enjoyed it - once I pressed through the initial 1/10 mile of ankle pain. Sometime a little nasty weather makes running easier. I guess it helps me to focus.

I cruised at a comfortable pace. My running watch has broken - and that may be a good thing. Now, I am simply out there doing it, and trying to be aware of my body - than think and pray along the way.
http://www.firstgiving.com/tomgriffith

The Game is On

I've known I was actually training for the Boston Marathon for a month now. And, as is often the case on the front end of a signficant challenge, some fear, some self-doubt, some hardships/difficulties have crept into the picture.

Can a 50 year old guy, who hasn't run any kind of "race" since a 3-mile "Gator Gallop" at University of Florida - "It's Great ... to be ... a ... Floriday Gator; It's Great ... to be ... -" (O, 'sorry about that, it just comes over me sometimes) - in the 70s run the Boston Marathon? I say, "YES!" But, I must admit that it leaves some significant room for doubt.

I've had a nagging injury in my left ankle. It doesn't usually hurt while I am running. But, walking can sometimes be a bear - particularly after a longer run. I've also had a nagging cold that's been hanging on entirely too long. It started with an intensity that caused me to miss a week-and-a-half of running/training. Usually, missing a week or two is no big deal, but now EVERYTHING related to exercise seems to take on a little more meaning. I've pressed through the latter part of the cold, and I am starting to feel better running again. However, today it's 11 degrees outside with a wind-chill of 3. It looks like a cross-training day.

It's going to be a battle - but, that's all part of the challenge. I am in, and the game is on - let's do this thing!

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