Struggle Run

Today felt like a reminder of all the wrong ways to approach running. It wasn’t pleasant. I viewed it as an outcome-based task. And the whole run felt confrontational.
Today felt like a reminder of all the wrong ways to approach running. It wasn’t pleasant. I viewed it as an outcome-based task. And the whole run felt confrontational.
Liz and I went on a run together today. It’s… well, it’s been a while.
Liz has gone out on her own a few times. But for me, I think it’s been at least 2 weeks or more since I’ve actually put foot to pavement. I was definitely out of practice.
The first mile was really rough. I was pushing myself, and I could feel the run getting away from me. I tried to slow down, somewhat successfully… but it was a struggle.
And in a remarkable Goofus and Gallant moment, we spotted this guy nearby. Sculpted, formed, almost an art installation.
You can almost hear him asking: “Why am I here? Why am I out here in the cold?”
You said it, buddy. You said it.
Closer to midnight. We opted to stay in, instead of going out to midnight service at St. John’s. I miss the ritual and tradition of it (and the singing), but welcomed time with my family… just hanging out.
My parents had brought over some champagne a day or two ago, which may have been for mimosas. But we ended up opening the bottle tonight. My dad wanted a toast, and wanted a family photo… so with a slight bit of balancing on the fireplace mantle, he got his Christmas wish.
We headed north from Hyde Park, and Liz showed me some of the paths she took when she was doing her marathon training earlier this year.
While the two of us ran five miles while we were at the lakehouse last week, it didn’t quite dawn on me the actual distance.
It’s the weekend! And while Liz has a ton of work work to still do, we headed out to take advantage of the Saturday. Because a weekend day means we can put in time for a long run (without having to wake up crazy early).
A long day, but faster than it seemed. Despite us being in DC for a few days, it felt like we didn’t have enough time to visit with Kirt, Tricia, Paige, and Lisa/James. It felt like a blur to me, but it was probably doubly so for Liz.
All in all, I’m quite awed by what Liz has done. I know Tricia and Paige also completed the marathon, but for Liz… this was her first. And something she’s been working and training for, for almost a year. I’ve seen the work and struggle up close, and trust me when I say to you: it’s a LOT.
For most of the day, but especially starting from here on out… Liz kept saying “I’m freaking out!”
In our hotel room, with the assortment of powders and food and snacks she brought with, for the race.
The funny thing: Liz is decreasing her distances, as part of her training regimen. So today for her was “just” eight miles. And for me, it’s a longer distance than I’ve ever run (10K has been my max, and that’s around 6.2 miles).
While I’m out running, I think it’s safer to be able to hear your surroundings (cars, other people nearby like runners or bicyclists). I do tend to like an immersive set of headphones, but found that while running… being able to hear around me feels more comfortable.
Near the end of our run, with dusk and downtown Chicago in the distance.
For part of my run today, I did a loop around the Midway Plaisance, next to the University of Chicago.
On closer inspection, it looks like they paved over the existing concrete paths with asphalt. Seemed a difficult job to keep people off of this path, but looking forward to checking it out when the barriers are gone (and running along the paths).
A bit further in the run, pausing along the path that runs alongside Lake Shore Drive. A lovely view of the lake, with the light starting to settle into dusk.