Warmed up 2.25 miles at a very pedestrian pace yesterday. Then a 4 mile tempo run followed by mirror of warm up as warm down. My first real check of fitness even though sans watch. Intuitive sense of pace work. I hit the 1st mile and doubt called me out. Numerous permutations of workout options swirling inside the noggin, tempting me to abort the discomfort.
Nay! Told myself that I wanted to be that Tough Guy today. The runner that faces the pain and then embraces it, challenges it, defeats it. Hit the 2 mile mark and turned around for the return trip feeling stronger with every passing moment. Cruised past the 3 mile thinking I’d be happy with this effort for 5K. Last mile exhilarating. My legs feel it today and that makes me happy. I rose to the challenge of mental strength, was acquitted by perseverance and focus, two of its very definitions. Reflected that I had achieved the desired outcome, pleased that I was up to it. And began thinking about today’s effort. End of story.
The new phrase I’m already sick of is “crushed it”. As in a particular workout. Baloney. If you are crushing your workouts you’re not doing enough. I pushed the first mile yesterday, endured the second, persevered the third, and focused on the fourth. While I didn’t “crush” the workout, it didn’t “crush” me either. But the margin between the two was satisfying and executed to perfection. Tough guy.
I’m going to be pulling for the Denver Broncos this weekend. My dear sweet Allison prepares desserts for guests in Peyton Manning’s vip suite. She doesn’t get that it is kind of a big deal, just a job for her.
We’re on our way to our 100th entrant into the Ni-Bthaska-Ke Trail Runs. I’ve reached out to all former winners in hopes of making it a fast race. Local trail and ultra studette Kaci Lickteig will make her debut and is the instant favorite on the distaff side. Kerrie Bruxvoort’s event record of 1:02:25 will almost certainly fall. Ivan Marsh’s mark of 52:20 could also be in jeapordy. Or not. Read yesterday’s column, its mendacity was loosely inspired by Ivan.
A man needs only two things. A good library and a good garden. When you add in a good woman and a good dog life becomes sublime.
And finally, harvested from the web this morning:
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