One Step at a Time

I got up at 5:30 a.m. to run today before my husband went to work. Here are my thoughts at that ridiculous hour:

1. Huh?
2. How does this Forerunner work again?
3. Huh?
4. It’s still dark.
5. I’m not running on the paths when it is this dark.
6. I guess I’ll run on the sidewalks.
7. I’m grouchy at this hour.
8. My shadow looks slimmer somehow.
9. Suddenly, I’m not so grouchy.
10. What is my race plan?
11. So far, my plan is to race.
12. It took me long enough to get to that part of the plan. Gee.
13. Is it bad to go into a 5 k with no race plan?
14. My instructor certainly thought so.
15. I’ll ask the RBF.
16. They’ll know.
17. Am I really going to make getting up this early a habit?
18. Funny. I never thought running would be a habit.

1. I like this pace. It’s comfy.
2. How do I check pace on my Forerunner when it’s on intervals?
3. There is no way I can fiddle with this thing and run.
4. And not run into things.
5. I need to read the instruction manual.
6. When I got it, Kevin told me to read the instruction manual.
7. I read part of it.
8. Then I went for a run.
9. I’ll need to go back to that manual.
10. In private.
11. If I was running with a partner right now, could I keep up a conversation?
12. Probably, but I’m not sure.
13. Maybe I’ll say my ABC’s outloud, just to see.
14. Because, really, I want to go a bit faster.

A, B,C,D … E, F, G ….. H, I, J, K …..

15. What is that man staring at?
16. I’ll just run faster to get away from him, frankly. Forget the idea of being able to talk comfortably.
17. Bye, bye ….

1. Wow. What a variety of people are here.
2. Wow. That instructor just said, “No one is too slow here. We’re here to have fun.”
3. Wow. They’ve put another instructor at the back of the pack of 25 women and 2 men. She’s committed herself to run at the back, bless Inga’s soul.
4. Okay, I need to stop saying “Wow”. It’s incredibly annoying.
5. Bless her soul, but I don’t really wanna run with Inga.
6. I think I have more of a competitive spirit that I’ve acknowledged.
7. Look at me, I’m in the middle.
8. Look at that: there are much thinner, “fitter-looking” people than me who are really struggling with these intervals.
9. This woman beside me is chatty AND funny.
10. I’m grateful for the combination.
11. I’m sweating … it’s hot … but I’m not completely spent. I’ve run harder than this before, and that’s a good feeling.
12. Holy cow, we’re done!?
13. Holy cow is really no better than wow.
14. My ankle did not swell!
15. Yay!!!!!!!!!
16. Running is my friend.

This is how my brain works, so in foresight, I’ve created a category for it. Here are thoughts from this morning’s run …

1. It smells like spring. Finally.
2. I love that crispness in the air.
3. My mouth still hurts from that horrible dental appointment yesterday.
4. People in the old days survived with little dental care … why can’t I??
5. Or did they just have really bad teeth?
6. I’m trying to remember if anyone on Little House on the Prairie had bad teeth.
7. I love my Forerunner. I’ve gone 3.44 k so far.
8. I just love knowing that, personally.
9. Melissa Gilbert had fantastic teeth. Makes no sense.
10. How does Mark do this barefoot??
11. I must not forget to sign Troy’s report card when I get home.
12. I must not look at my Forerunner every minute.
13. It’s really not safe.
14. I should name it, I suppose. Something more than “my buddy”.
15. I hope I can eat something besides mushy banana today.

1. It’s bloody cold out here.
2. I hate wind.
3. There’s nobody on this path because it’s too bloody cold out here.
4. Is being a wimp genetic or learned?
5. Do I really have to go home to play Round 12 of Junior Yahtzee?
6. I sincerely love the town workers that clear this path of snow twice a day, it seems.
7. Next time I bake, I should take them cookies. Anonymously, or something.
8. If I blog that, it’s not a “Random Act of Kindness”.
9. When is spring coming?
10. Do I have time to check seat sales to Hawaii tonight?
11. Why didn’t I wear something with a hood to protect my neck better?
12. Where would I buy mitts at this time of year, when they’re selling suntan lotion??
13. Why am I so grouchy?
14. Is being a wimp genetic or learned?
15. Oh my …………. I just ran 2.51 k without stopping for a walk!!!!!!!!!!!!
16. The Girl is NO wimp!!!!!! Wahooooooooooo!