I Can.

Running on base proves to be a little tricky here because I’m not a huge fan of hills.  I avoid them if at all possible.  I much prefer running downhill or on flat ground.  Lately, running proved to be a struggle since I took a week off for Cape Town and then was sick for a while during Family Days.  I’m just now trying to get back into the groove of things.  Though, I’ve been frustrated with my lack of motivation and lack of results.  I hadn’t ran in two days and then started talking with another intern, Allen, about running last night and the upcoming Flatberg race (15k including going up a mountain…).  The conversation gave me the drive to finally get out and complete a “good” run.

I started out this morning determined to get up and go.  I set my alarm and was out the door by 6:05 a.m. with my iPod Nike+ set to a distance of 7k.  About 2k into my run, I got this ridiculous idea that I shouldn’t just run 7k, but, no, I should run a 10k.  Mind you, the farthest I’ve ran in the last week or two has been around 35 minutes.  But, when I decide something that’s that.  So, I kept running and running.  Being bored, I did some run there and then run back along with some circles in the field.  Basically, I did everything possible to not go up hill and still complete a 10k.  All of that to say that I did.  I ran 10.02k in 55:30 min. which translates into a 5:32 min/km pace or a 8:54 min./mile.  This was only 1 minute slower than the 10k I ran in July. Woot!  For being out of practice, I was happy.  Also, I was reminded of the power of determination, persistence, and the need to set my eyes on an achievable goal while not letting my feelings get in the way or let my mind start believing the lies of “I can’t.”

So, what’s been your greatest accomplishment this week?

TCBC

As promised, here’s the recap from the Saturday morning bike ride:

I’m a jumpy person so when my alarm goes off, I leap out of bed.  Normally, I wake up a little before my alarm to prevent this, but not today.  I was tired.  I reluctantly got ready and the nerves set in.  Do I really want to do this?  Why am I doing this?  I don’t know what I’m doing.  Being stubborn and forcing myself to be busy on this day, I finally get ready and get in the car with the bike in the back seat.  I do a drive-by and see a couple of older people in the parking lot and someone who appears to be a woman driving in.  I keep driving.  After sufficiently wasting time and leaving myself no other choice, I park.  I get out and meet a couple people.  Thankful that the ride will not consist of me and old men!  Instead, the ride will be me, older women and older men.  Yeah, I feel young.  After a sign-in and debriefing, we’re off.  I quickly learn the terms “Car back,” “bike back,” “hole,” ect.   Some people are chatty, but most focus on biking and enjoying the ride.  Plus, the sometimes single file arrangement does not lend itself well to conversation.  We maneuver around lakes, parks, trails, and even a waterfall.  At around mile 15 disaster strikes.  My worst fear is realized.  I get a flat tire and of course I haven’t brought the necessary tools or extra tube required.  Thankfully, a super kind lady lets me use hers while two very informative men change the tire.  I am “lectured” about how I need to ALWAYS carry a tube, buy a floor pump, buy a topeak pump to go on my bike, and to pump up before EVERY ride.  Yeah….I was a tad naive in terms of bike maintenance.  Now to go spend some more money 🙂  After my bike was back in working condition, we met up with the others and ate breakfast before heading home the last 4 miles.  All in all, a great learning experience and an interesting time 🙂