Faster and faster
March 15th, 2007 by rsm
I’m back to running. By that, I mean I am sucking it up, getting out there and actually trying to get my running game up again. It hurts.
In high school I was on the track team. I wasn’t super fast but I did alright (1 mile: 5:29) though now, not so good. I still fall well within the Army’s standards, and by that I mean the standards for the 18-20 somethings, not the late-30s dudes, but lawd have mercy. I mean I can ruck march with the elites for miles and miles. No problem. Ruck-marching is not the same as an all out run NOT on a treadmill. And up here we have NO flat surfaces, it’s all uphill and downhill.
In high school I was 115 lbs. with a 28″ waist. Same height. Same shoe size. I’m 195 lbs. now with a 33″ waist. Well, it’s creeping into the 34″ territory so that’s part of the reason to get running again. Hauling all that extra shoulder and chest crap around is rough on the legs and even worse on the lungs. I don’t know how Butterbar does it with all his massive muscle weight he has built up. It’s not comfortable for me, it’s not that enjoyable an experience, but I need to get at it. I need to accomplish this. It’s like vegetables: nasty, disgusting, but oh so good for you.
So under the tutelage of some PT chicks, I got new shoes. Apparently 10 year old running shoes that have been used as utility-wear are frowned upon, and I am supposedly not supposed to run in wrestling shoes. Whatever.
Luckily when I went to the Outlet store I saw a kid I knew from around the gym. I was never really that impressed with him, but apparently he likes me somewhat. I just want to point out to him that we have the technology to fix whatever it is he has going wrong with that mop of hair on top of his head. And maybe he could breathe open-mouthed a little less.
Anyway, I go for shoe comfort, I don’t care what they look like. Found some special ones discounted from $120 to about $40 and they actually had my size which is rare. Liked ‘em. Then the kid opened up a register just so he could check me out… and cha-ching… an extra 20% off and cha-ching… was able to comp me one of those Nike+iPod inserts that track your distance/time/performance, etc. Great, now I have to like the kid.
Of course I’m a gadget whore. Duh. Seeing charts of my distances show up online is enough to motivate me to get back out there. I like watching that little runner guy tick on the extra miles.
But tell that to my calves.
You go man! If the web-shiny charts motivate, so be it. I haven’t seen a twenty eight inch waist since I put down the the SI Swimsuit issue, and I think that was two swimsuit models in the same picture. Might have been those funky 3-D glasses I had to take back from the boy though…
’bout the only place I run anymore is to the store, fridge, and head. But then, I don’t have one of those ipod things in my shoe either… Good luck with the new treads…
I wish I could run – but shin splints prevent me. Shoes are not the answer…the ortho says only surgery will help and he didn’t recommend it since I’m not a professional athlete (duh!). So I do other types of exercise instead. I can walk miles, but running is out.
I hope the new shoes make your run easy.
I miss running! You run like the wind – I’ll watch and fly vicariously through you!
Yay running! I wish I could run with you, but like Teresa I’m broke… plus I could never keep up with you.
I used to love to run. LOVE IT. But, like Teresa, the shin splints put an end to that. Oh, and the knee, the knee kicks my a$$. Well, and the back. All that jarring just kills my lower back. And then theres..
Yeah, just so you know…..getting old really sucks wind sometimes. Especially when you don’t take care of yourself for, oh, about 15 years.
So you go Dude! You’ll still be running circles around most of us in 40 years!
Something very big and scary would have to be chasing me for me to voluntarily run. I don’t *do* running. Swimming, yes. Yoga, yes. But no running.
Good for you though! Once again you are far more self disciplined than I…
I wish my knees would let me run again – I miss it terribly!
For reasons having nothing to do with you and everything to do with me, this post depressed me more than words can ever say.
Women with large breasteses are very strongly advised NOT to run… ever. I have followed that advice my entire adult life. Not sorry.
Erica – I understand and comisserate w/you at the present moment!
Jean – always hysterically funny!
As for you my dear RSM – ever my inspiration – I want to see your times and that little man. I NEED VISUAL INSPIRATION! No, pics of your ripped calf muscles won’t do it.
It’s been 3 weeks since I’ve had PT or been to the gym and I’m pissed enough at myself and finally stressed out enough to want to go back. Tomorrrow, after my snowball fight with my son, I’m taking him to the gym with me with gameboy in hand, ’cause I know the sitter will bail on my yet again.
Anyway, glad to read you again!
It’s not that difficult really, I just let my mind wander into the abyss and before you know it it’s over. I know you know all about wandering, so it should be simple! haha. Oh, the part about the shoe guy..too funny.