Boring! My typical lunch of wheat bread with Columbus roasted herb turkey slices, Swiss cheese, Trader Joe's edamame hummus and broccoli sprouts, fat free yogurt, string cheese, and slices of a Cameo apple. Insane, isn't it? I swear, it has a yummy-ness factor of 8. Okay, maybe 7 and a variety factor of 8. (shrug)
So today I did a training run of 8.75 miles and it felt fantastic! That struggling feeling of having lead weights on my legs is gone for now. I don't know what the deal was, but after reading other running blogs and perusing a few running boards, the obvious had escaped me and I failed to realize that every runner can have their off days. A lot of them. There's just too many variables involved - and even though I want running to always be the energizing, open air bedazzling, and general outdoor escapism that it is - it can't always be a cup of Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend. ... . ... eh, well, y'know I really do love that Thanksgiving Blend coffee... but anyway, I'm just saying that I need to mentally push aside the bad runs and always focus on the good ones. It doesn't help that I'm trying to recover as quickly as possible (bad knee, long story) - I have races coming up and I really want to do my best, if not improve my times. Which brings me to another topic...
I'm running the Zappos Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon in about two weeks - it's a night time race right on the Las Vegas Strip - "What?" you say... "On the Strip?!" - yes, awesome, isn't it? If I didn't get the killer deal on the rooms where I'm staying at, there's no way I could justify the mounting expenses. But you know what? It will be a unique experience. I mean, how often will I get the opportunity to run under the lights of Las Vegas? (not including criminal conduct and the like - kidding! Honest.) Besides, peer pressure from all my co-workers who are also running the race is just too much to bear! No way I can stand to listen to them when they return about how much fun it was! Curse their convincing attitudes.
Where the heck was I going with this?! Ah yes... so clearly, it's not possible to continually run a faster race with each and every outing - I'm going to concentrate on having a good time (I know, I've said that before) - there will be bands playing, the neon lights, the crowds... well, you know how much I love scenery on a run so I hope I take advantage of it and soak it all in. That doesn't mean I'm going to be a slouch and let everyone run past me! I just want to remain injury free and get my money's worth... scenic-wise that is! It's all about the sights. Okay, and the bling... a Rock 'n' Roll finisher medal would be nice. And the post party... yeah, that too. (Insert thumbs-up/smiley face here)
It's going to be chilly running the Strip at night - so my game plan involves my usual early morning/late evening running wear: a long sleeved tech-shirt, running gloves (Under Armour or Nike fleece) and a micro fleece headband (for the ears). I never have a problem with cold legs so I'm sticking with the running shorts... besides, I hate running in workout pants - yikes, how does anyone do that?! I'm afraid to touch anything metal after a run in fear of creating some kind of death-like static shock. Oh yes, just remembered... and I'm ditching the earphones. Gasp! Yeah, I know, but I want to hear all the bands along the route and besides - even though there'll be plenty of light on the course from the casinos, I just need to hear more around me when I'm running in the darkness, know what I mean?
What's your cold weather gear like? I saw this runner powering up a hill early this evening (it was chilly out, about 51 degrees) and she had on a tank top and running shorts. I'm a wimp, I can't stand cold hands and arms... what is it? Mind over matter?
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