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OK, I need a cape and an emblem … January 11, 2006

Posted by Amber D. Evans in : Reflections, Blacksburg VA , add a comment

When I tackle the pavement on good days, I experience a clarity of
sorts. Are you like me; do you feel the same? Do you also find yourself
thinking ridiculously self-encouraging thoughts?

I was reading Libor's blog today and what he had to say about a spring in your rested legs hit home with me. It also made me ponder over how "crazy" we all are, and how super-human some of us athletes are as well. I also thought back to when I first started all this with three other ladies and how far we've each come in our own right. I wrote the following comment to Libor:

You know, I'm stating the obvious, but you're in really good shape. And you're fast, to boot (a 6:50min/mi ?!?! Wow. I'm stoked to have sub-tens.) But at least we're out there … I'm glad there was no rain for you today! It seems to have moved over to where I'm at, though, so anytime you want it back, I'd be happy to do that! I know what you mean about "spring" legs. I like that feeling, too. Especially when you've been doing longer distances and then you take a day off and your next run is a short sprint or fartleks … it's incredible, isn't it? You almost feel like you need a cape and an emblem–and why not? We're already in spandex–Ha Ha!

Has anyone else thought about it? I'm spending approximately 25% of my waking daily time in spandex or related workout clothes and gear. (Two reasons: because I'm exercising and because the clothes are just so darn comfy.) That's nearly an alternate identity … a quarter of my time, I look like I'm ready at any moment to rush outside and tackle … the pavement, even when my kryptonite rain, sleet, or hail stands in the way.

My gal pals and I gave each other nicknames when we started this tri-thang … One was "Jiggles," another was "The Punisher," our champion was "Red Hots, aka 'Testerossa.'" and I am "The Determinator." Those names meant something more than ourselves. It was almost like an obligation to meet a higher calling … a purpose with intent, if you will.

When I tackle the pavement on good days, I experience a clarity of sorts. Are you like me; do you feel the same? Do you also find yourself thinking ridiculously self-encouraging thoughts?

I ask of you, when are your days when you find yourself saying, "Damn! I'm on fire! I'm HOT today! I'm 'The Determinator!' Where's my green cape and power gel?" Really, I'm being serious; I want to know.

RUN Week 10, Tuesday 1/10 - Run

Posted by Amber D. Evans in : Running, Blacksburg VA, Training Stats , add a comment

"Nothing went quite as planned today, but I still somehow managed to do it all."

Context

City, State: Blacksburg, VA
Location: City
Course: 5.45-mile around Blacksburg [map]
Terrain: Hilly; paved.
Distance and/or Time: 5.47 miles, 00:54:14.
Speed and/or RPE: 9:52/mi; 6.1 mph; 5 (somewhat hard)
HRR: 154-174 (Aerobic High)
HR(avg.): 171 bpm

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

The Run

Synopsis

Overall

Nothing went quite as planned today, but I still somehow managed to do it all. I woke up 2 hours later than I wanted to this morning. I coughed a lot last night and so when I finally drank some of the codeine syrup, I was knocked out! Then I tried to do some work, but Josh came home and wanted his computer back, so I couldn't do anything. I contemplated running, but then there was some misunderstanding between he and I brecause I swear I heard him say that I didn't have enough time to do that AND run all the errands with him today. So I opted to take a shower instead. And so a day of laundry, shopping, and others errands took place. I even spent some time tooling around on the roads with the car all by myself. I'm definitely getting more of a feel for this area, although I'm not always sure of myself just yet. I don't know why. My instinct for direction is darn good … I haven't gotten lost so far.

So, I got home from shopping, decided that I was going to jog sometime tonight, put on all my jogging clothes, and curled up next to my sweetie on the couch to watch Love Actually. (Really great movie. I highly recommend it!) Once over, I kissed him goodnight, grabbed Calen and headed out the door to loop around town. It went by quickly and Calen behaved very well for once! Perhaps, he's learning. I'm just really glad I went. I feel accomplished.