A Year Ago Today

What a difference a year makes.  Let me explain.

This morning, as I stepped outside to warm-up for my run, I heard the Beach Boys blaring throughout my neighborhood.  A bit strange considering it was 6:30am.  It seemed to be coming from the high school, so I thought maybe it was an early morning practice or something.  Then I remembered back to a year ago, when I was training for my first 5k, and thought it might be this: http://haacksfirst5k.blogspot.com/2009/07/headbands-leave-creases-on-your-forhead.html (yes, I spelled "forhead" wrong in the link, but fixed it in the title)

I was right.  It was the Relay for Life.  As I ran by the high school today, I remembered that day a year ago.  I doubt I even ran a mile that day and I was "spent."  And it was in the low 50s!  I vividly remember everyone wearing winter coats and stocking caps and feeling like a tool in my shorts and t-shirt.  It was already in the 70s this morning and I was sweating like a hog!

Today's run was alright (32:43, good considering the hamburger/brat/pasta salad/chips/fruit/cake I had for dinner), but it was a lot of fun to think back to the beginning.  I've really only been "running" for a year, so it's nice to be reminded of the improvement; the successes.  I've also noticed that barely any of my runs are without drama or emotion of some kind.  And I think that's good.  At first I thought it was kind of lame, but what's wrong with having a little excitement in your life?  Whether that means welling-up because of a memory or a good song, or getting pumped up to finish strong, the drama makes it fun.  Even if it's just a half-hour.

Oh, I forgot to mention...last week I was supposed to run a 5k, not 7 miles!  D'oh.  So, I swapped 'em.  That actually works a lot better because there's no way I'd be able to run 8 miles tomorrow.  I think I'm going to plan on doing my 8 miler next Saturday or Sunday.  Better start gearing up now.

It's time to get ready for Sam's baseball practice and then a wedding and reception the rest of the day.  Then church tomorrow and then VACATION.  Off all week.  Hopefully I'll be able to maintain my healthy lifestyle.

And get a tan.