I had a running partner today!
Today I had a 10 miler scheduled and I was happy that I actually got out the door before 9:00 am for once. Doubly impressive for me since I slept horrible last night (back pain from lifting wrong again yesterday).
As I left my driveway, I saw another runner coming up the road. I thought he was going to turn down the side street but he ending up coming up behind me.
“On your left!” Made me think of Wil. :)
He asked how far I was going and then asked if he could run with me. I had never had someone run with me on a long run before. It was kinda wierd. He was one of those tall runner-looking people, and he was heading out for about 14 miles today.
The funny thing was that he had run in just about all the same races I had, and was even wearing the shirt from the Trail Half Marathon. Not surprising I didn’t recognized him from the race though, since I might have seen him at the very beginning and the very end, since he would be a good 15 minutes ahead of me.
I found that running next to someone, I tend to run too fast. Maybe it makes me think of racing. 10 miles, 1:28:27, 8:51 pace. Hmmmmm. I may be sorry later for that. I tried to keep my form good though. I noticed he bounced more than I did and shook his arms out more often. Maybe keeping loose is the secret for the long distance guys.
At mile 5 I turned around and he said he was going on a little farther and would try to catch up. I’m not sure how fast he would have to run, but I didn’t see him on the way back.
Lots to see out today. There were two ultra-light aircraft. One looked like the plane that Dick Dastardly used to fly, but it was all black.
I also saw a big fox. Maybe it was a fox. It was pretty big for a fox. All brown, except his feet that looked black (or they were muddy). He had that long fox nose though. He came up out of the bushes about 20 yard in front of me, did a quick look up and down the road and then scurried across. Wish I had a picture.
That’s about it. I did my cold water bath while I read another chapter of Harry Potter. My wife had bought the book through Amazon a few months ago, and they delivered it to the house on release day. I had completely forgotten so it was a nice surprise. And anybody who tells me how it ends get the Crucious Curse.
July 23rd, 2005 13:50
After running by myself for over a year (and liking it that way) I finally decided to hook up with other runners so I would have a support system and perhaps not “burn out” from the boredom of running alone….also, for safety reasons since we are running trails. It has been strange getting used to running with people, but I feel that it pushes me in a good way, and the time passes so quickly!
July 23rd, 2005 13:52
Hey thats so cool to have someone just “show” up to run with.. Did you talk lots? Did you worry about silent times? laffs. Your just a speed demon arent you.. Always going so fast,,, Dont think that will ever be a “problem” in my running.
Heather
July 23rd, 2005 14:24
I can just see you poundng along, not giving out to someone else you think is faster; perhaps he was thinking the same thing. I am glad you tuned in to the scenery. That is what makes running so unique.
July 23rd, 2005 18:48
I can’t tell you how it ends because I fell asleep in every Harry Potter movie!
July 23rd, 2005 20:13
Great 10-miler! Sub 9’s! Woo hoo! See…with times like that, you *might* have been able to beat me in New Haven…there’s still time to plan for it…=)
July 23rd, 2005 23:53
Wow, sub-9 for the 10 miler. Great pace & good job on the run. You earned your chocolate today.
I’ve run all of my long runs alone (unless you count the dog) except for a brief 5 mile stretch with someone who joined me by happenstance. It would be weird for me to run a long run with someone too.
July 24th, 2005 08:04
He ran with you and he didn’t get rained on, fall in a river, or have his watch start running backwards?? I’d say you both had a good run!
July 24th, 2005 09:28
Good job on the run, can’t tell you how it ends. I haven’t read any of those books. I barely have time to read blogs these days let alone a book.
July 24th, 2005 12:17
Hey, great job on the 10-miler. Did you separate from the phantom runner across the street from a graveyard?
Oh, and Harry gives up Quidditch for Nascar.
July 24th, 2005 22:02
Great time on the 10 miler! I always run faster with someone, I like it cause it makes me work harder than I normally would. Hope you feeling good today
July 25th, 2005 01:02
Wow, a pretty fast 10-miler, I can’t wait to read about wow you burn the road on your marathon.
July 25th, 2005 11:01
That was a speedy run. Sometimes during our weekly group runs we end up with a larger group than we started with - helps you with the pace to run with others.
July 25th, 2005 11:42
You are so fast, Jon! And how cool to have someone just right there to run a bit with you. I’m jealous….
July 25th, 2005 19:11
I *love* running partners. I guess I must be a slacker at heart because it’s the running buddies who keep me going. What a great time, too!
July 26th, 2005 00:52
That’s muy speedy! I gotta start calling you “Sebastian Coe” soon.
July 26th, 2005 21:25
Nice - and I’m glad that he didn’t catch up, too. I’ve done marathon training solo and with a group and I have to say, I love the group much more.
July 31st, 2005 13:36
Running partners are the best!! If it was not for Dianna, I would never run faster than a 10 min. mile. :)
August 6th, 2005 21:57
[...] pace, I felt like I could run forever. That being said, with 4 miles to go I ran into my running partner from a few weeks back. He was coming towards me and decided he had run [...]