Back on the horse. Or in the saddle. Or whatever.
I went running last night for the first time since the half-marathon on Saturday. I know that’s not recommended, going that long between runs, but my knees and feet were killing me and last night was the first night I thought I might be able to make it four miles.
I got on the treadmill and the first half-mile I thought, shit, I’m hurting so bad there is no way I’m going to make it. But by mile 2, I started feeling good. I actually was kinda sad that I only had to run four miles last night, I considered going further. Of course my knee hurt a little bit the second I stopped, but knowing it stops hurting when I run makes me feel better.
I actually made some friends too. Two 40+ guys on the treadmills next to me, training for the Rocket City Marathon which is the same weekend as my Tucson Half. They had some marathon training war stories to tell and the most important lesson they could pass on was: Do Not Over Do It. “Especially on Race Day. It’s hard to keep yourself from going faster to keep up with the crowd, but Don’t Do It.”
Yeah. I learned that less on the very hard way on Saturday.
How is it that it’s easier for me to befriend two middle-aged guys on treadmills than a room full of women at a running store? Probably because I was fairly certain those guys weren’t judging me in any way. And we women…we tend to l judge women when they walk in the door.
So, my run went well. This makes me feel very confident about my 10K on Saturday. I wish you all could come with me, the weather is going to be gorgeous (hopefully) and I’ll be crossing the Tennessee River twice, so the scenery will be astounding. Northern Alabama is beautiful this time of year, I can’t wait to see it in a way I never have before.
Making friends is hard, period, but it really does seem easier to chat with guys on a friend level. Women are so freakin intimidating!
Good luck!! I know you will do great! I look forward to more pictures.
I think you hit it on the head about relating to those men. Women can be so catty. I had so many more male friends growing up and as a teen than I ever did girls. We got along so much better.
Wow, you are a woman on a mission. I’m very impressed.
You are a running fool!!
Good luck!! Glad you will have great weather this time around!!
That was the one thing I loved about running outdoors- the scenery. It just made me feel so much a part of everything. Good luck on Saturday, Miss Zoot!
I’ve always had more male friends than female friends. I don’t know exactly why, but it’s easier to be friends with men. But I will say that my friendships with women are deeper, if that makes sense. I miss those friendships.
finally delurking..Taking a few days off after such a long race is recommended. Usually the experts say to cross train but yeah for a day or two I let myself be lazy and if I feel up to it I might jog later that week.
Meeting people to run is hard. I met my running friends though a forum on my local running club’s website. That worked really well for me (a shy corner of the playground girl) as there wasn’t a click to have to break into.
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