Run Jane Run!

I am going to write about the running group I joined and briefly document our runs together over the next 6 weeks. My run today inspired me to write. It was quite pleasant. The running group officially begins this Saturday at 8am and I can’t wait to get started.

Lately my bod has turned to running as a result of my decision "not to ride this year." Which of course means I’m not riding in the AIDS/LifeCycle in June. It was a very difficult decision, but one that I totally accept. I am not letting my decision prevent me from connecting to the ride. I am having so much fun helping a friend with fundraising and keeping up with past riders and roadies. I’m also pretty much addicted to reading blog entries and messages of support. I begin my day this way. Check out some bad ass random blogs at www.aidslifecycle.org "Recent Blog Posts."

In preparation of the start of my running group (and because I need some sort of energy outlet) I have been running (or trudging slowly!) on the AR trail. I have found a nice route which lets me complete a timed 5 mile run. Today I finished in less than an hour which is about a 12 minute mile pace. Um yeah it’s pretty slow, I admit. But I was so happy with my run today! It felt so good. Well except for the first half mile. For me the first half mile is brutal! Like “what am I doing, I should turn around and Go Home NOW” brutal. But I know if I can get through that, I will loosen up and then some sort of faint endorphin kicks in. All that and I start to notice other runners and cyclists nod “hello” and suddenly all is right with the world. The last five or so runs have felt this way, truly great. I am also learning not to over do it. When I do, it truly friggin sucks, all 5 miles. I have learned so much about rest, nutrition, and paying extremely close attention to all things physical. It is a grounding experience. I mean that in a very good way.

Man, running is sweet. Just get dressed and go. Don’t get me wrong, I so love my bike. But sometimes getting ready for a 30-40 mile ride is so intense and time consuming. You don’t just go right-out-the-door for that, you have to make sure your bike is OK, you have to bring hydration and food or you have to carefully plan your route to make sure you can get it when you need it. I love it but it takes time. So far my little runs are short enough to demand little prep time; I dress and go. Maybe a little sun screen... That’s it. I also sometimes wear my cool ALC cycling jerseys, they are great. The pockets in the back hold my phone, iPod and keys in separate compartments. I rarely see a runner in a bike jersey -but I don’t care! I’m blazing my own trail. Bwah ha!!!

A few weird pictures from my phone from today’s run. I am experimenting with Mobile Blogging and Flickr...