Running

I am prepping for my first summer outdoor run.  Being new to running, I started last September, I have not had the opportunity to run in all seasons.  Due to the fact that the YMCA here provides 10 hours of childcare/activities for people with family memberships I do a good bit of treadmill running.  Remember when I say run, it’s technically a jog.  Treadmill running gets the job done but is not what I prefer.  I usually get outside once or twice a week in a “normal” week.  Well, we went on vacation and I ran once while out of town.  But I have been back at it on the treadmill for the last two weeks mixed in with spinning, strength training, yoga and pilates.  So, yay, back in the saddle!

There are a few of things I have failed to mention which will make my first official summer outdoor run challenging.  One, is that I live in central Alabama.  And as they say, it’s not the heat that’ll getcha it’s the humidity.  Two, is that I sweat more profusely than any other human being I have ever encountered.  You may think, oh she’s exaggerating, everyone feels that way.  No, ma’am or sir I have had quite a few people at the gym feel the need to comment on it.  And no, I am not that inconsiderate person that doesn’t wipe down the machines.  In fact I am usually overcompensating by wiping and re-wiping because I know the amount of sweat dripping everywhere is grossly offensive. Oh yeah, did I mention I breathe like Darth Vader (and that’s in air conditioning)?  So, tomorrow I can look forward to heat, humidity, and copious sweat.  Why would I hesitate to jump out of bed and hit the road?

Well, since I am nervous that I will hesitate I called in reinforcements.  If I am not in place at 7am tomorrow I will be letting someone down.  My running buddy and I have both been really busy and just running on our own so we are both glad for some company, accountability and encouragement.  I,up until now, have been one to prefer running alone because it is one of the few times I am not focused on someone else.  I think I have underestimated how important the social aspect of running is.  Really up until now I have kind of miscalculated how important the social aspect of life is.  Sad but true.

I love people and enjoy them immensely but do not make friends easily.  I am by nature an introvert.  I charge my batteries by alone time but still love to have a good time with friends.  I have a strange sense of humor that sometimes is misconstrued.  Also, I think if you are mousey and shy it’s okay.  But if you are 6 feet tall people expect your personality to somehow match your stature.  Which mine does, after you get to know me.  Somewhere in my adult life I had given up on reaching out to people because I just felt hopelessly misunderstood.  This is all really something for another blog, but I say all that to say, I am reaching out and looking forward to this social run.  Now I just need to keep this momentum in other areas.

So tomorrow, me, the heat, and my running buddy.  No pace keeping and running slow enough to talk and catch up and catch my breath.  Not every single run has to beat my last time or distance.  Have fun?  I will try this new approach tomorrow.  Half marathon training starts next month though so we’ll see how long this lasts.