Runner's World

I really wanted to put in 9 or 10 miles this morning.  Didn't happen.  My 3 year-old got me up at 2:00 a.m. with a cough and a painful ear ache.  After some medicine and some TLC, he finally fell back asleep at 3:30.  Part of the deal of calming him down and creating assurance, however, was the promise that I would spend some time in his room until he fell asleep.  Not wanting to get sick as well, I sacked out on his floor.  Next thing I knew, it was 30 minutes later than my alarm had been set for.  It was either bag the run or shorten it. 

Knowing that Sasha taught me early on that any run is better than no run, I shortened the run.  I could definitely feel the heat (even early in the morning) as well as the effects of running a hilly course in Park City on Saturday.  Slowly, however, as I went along, I felt better and better.  Felt like I finished strong and, time permitting, would love to squeeze in another couple of miles this evening. 

Had an early tee time with a banker from Denver.  Had to move my run to the evening.  I was sunburned and a bit dehydrated from the day of golf, but felt good on my run.  If I had my druthers, I would have begun the run about a half hour later than I did to avoid a little more of the heat, but it wasn't horrible.

Was only looking to do 9 or 9.5 this morning, but I outsmarted myself.  I thought I could cut across a field that would lead to the golf course trail.  It seemed perfectly doable when I've driven there before.  What I couldn't see from a distance was the big No Trespassing sign and fence on the front side.  They only have the front of the field fenced off.  A little weird.  Anyway, I respected their wishes and took the long way around.

Ran 7.5 miles after a long night.  The idiots from the nursery dropped 15 cubic yards of bark right smack dab in the middle of the street.  First of all, we only ordered and paid for 10 cubic yards and second, the pile took up the entire right half of the road.  It was ridiculous.  How in the world under any circumstance is this acceptable?  Yeah, I know you're 19. Yeah, I know that they only pay you $8.00 an hour, but take a little pride in your work!

 Anyway, I got home at 8:00 and began shoveling the bark to a more appropriate location.  I had been at it for about an hour when a couple of neighbors came over and started helping as well.  It was like a Church commercial or video come to life (except without the music and the "Family--Isn't It About Time? ending).  We were done at about 10:20.  Our faces were caked with sweat and dark brown bark dust, but it was moved.

 I think the additional labor took a little out of me this morning especially at the beginning and a little bit at the end.  And thank goodness for the Community Center!  Wow, did its convenience and location bail me out when my lower intestines kung fu chopped me at mile 6!  I guess I won't complain so much when I get my property tax bill this November. 

Met the day head on with a 7.5 mile loop around the Bluff.  Ran right into the parade as it was lining up.  Ran down 2000 West with a crowd of people cheering me on.  (OK, not really, they were waiting for the parade to start).  

 Dropped the kids of at Grandma and Grandpa's and went to Salt Lake with my beautiful bride.  It was our 7th wedding anniversary to the day.  Celebrated with a real treat - dinner at Ruth's Chris.  I'll be running an extra 50 miles for that meal.  Walked around the Gateway, saw a movie and just had a fantastic time being alone!  No offense kids.  We still love you.