Seven Mile Saturday

February 7
Saturday Group Run: 7 Miles
Carlsbad, CA

In spite of the possibility of rain, the West Coast Runners met for our seven-mile run this morning at 7:20. This is the longest run I've taken on to date.

There were not as many runners this morning, probably due to the weather. The forecast said there would be rain all through the county this morning but when we got to our meeting point, the sky was only cloudy. No rain... just nice and cool.

The run went well! I kept my usual slow pace but I ran most of the seven miles. I enjoyed running along, watching the waves pound the rocks and sea cliffs. There was even a rainbow in the sky (but no matter how fast I ran, I couldn't find the end & get that elusive pot-o-gold). It was a great feeling to get to the finishing point, knowing I had completed the full seven miles. This is addicting!

After our run, the coaches talked about proper gait and stretching techniques. Good information. I realized I need to work on how I carry my upper body and focus on landing more mid-foot and less on my heel. I'll be working on these while I run this week.

Running Thoughts

I know I've mentioned before that I like running by myself. It's not that I'm all that entertaining, I just don't get the luxury of being by myself very often. Running is relaxing to me. It's almost like the impact of feet on pavement (or dirt) shakes up the lint and dust from my brain and scatters thoughts around. My thoughts have a chance to float around uninterrupted. They are mostly random, simple, and blessedly meaningless.

Here are some of the thoughts that floated carelessly through my brain during my run this morning:
  • Dang, this running rain jacket is hot... it's not even raining.
  • I hope these mud puddles don't ruin my shoes.
  • I love you, stop signal... keep saying "Don't Walk" for just a little while longer.
  • Is that guy taking a leak over there in the bushes??
  • Maybe I can tie this jacket around my waist.
  • Oh, those waves are coming right up to the side of the road... maybe I'll get splashed... Yay!
  • What a cute puppy.
  • OK. This jacket is coming off.
  • I don't see any other team runners... I hope I don't get lost.
  • I wonder what would happen if I stopped and sat on that bench to watch the waves with that man over there. Maybe he'd share some of his coffee.
  • OK... there are some team members. I'm not lost.
  • Darn it! I need to tie this jacket tighter.
  • Ohhhh... a rainbow. Wish I could run with my camera.
  • I like my new bra.
  • My team members are coming back my direction... maybe I'm almost at the half-way turn-around point.
  • My butt hurts.
  • Is that the turn-around point? Why is it moving away from me... sort of like that rainbow?
  • How do people run so fast?!
  • Is that the turn-around point?
  • Is that it?
  • I... think... I'm... there...
  • And turn!
  • OK... back the way I came.
  • Where did this hill come from? I don't remember running down this part.
  • I wonder if people can hear me breathing...
  • Dang! That coffee looks good!
  • The tide must be going out now...
  • I'm glad I got this jacket off. I'm getting used to it hitting the back of my legs now.
  • How do people run so dang fast?
  • There's that cute puppy again! Hi, baby...
  • How much longer?
  • Am I lost?
  • No, that's where I cross the street.
  • I hope I get the red light... I hope I get the red light.
  • Ahhhhhh... thank you stop light... I love you.
  • I'm almost there...
  • Don't slip in the mud puddle...
  • There's the end!
  • There's Mitchell, waiting for me.
  • Yay!! Done!
  • My butt hurts.
Next week, we run eight miles. That's one extra mile to run, fluff up my brain a little, and hopefully not get lost. Unless it's in my thoughts.

"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." -Jesse Owens

Comments

Unknown said…
7-8 miles is my favorite distance to run in training. I don't know why, but it is. My thoughts are a lot like yours :-)
Anonymous said…
LOL at your thoughts. I write blog posts (most of which never actually get written) while I'm running.

Good job on the run! I've decided I really like the 7-8 mile distance too.
Run Mommy said…
Great post. I have many of the same thoughts... :)
Anonymous said…
Keep up the momentum as you progress towards the marathon. Lots of random thoughts that keep the run interesting and make it go by faster as well!
Denise said…
Cute post. You should enjoy running however you want to. If it's your time to yourself, enjoy that! We all need it!
BeachRunner said…
Great job. Thanks for stopping by my blog. It looks like we were in sync with our runs this weekend. Keep up the great work.
Anonymous said…
I enjoyed your running thoughts piece, if your interested, we would love to have you post it on Tribal Running, I think alot of people can relate.

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