Sunday, May 28, 2006

Rainy Run

That little trail run we had on tap for today was longer than expected - we ran 6.5 miles - all in the pouring rain. The trail we were on was one of the end loops of the Mt. Si Relay and Ultra from a few weeks back. Our goal was to run up to a waterfall beside the trail - it was beautiful, and worth the run. My total mileage for the week was higher than I anticipated - a little over 36 miles. I was worried that I'd have trouble with the run today after my long one yesterday, but I didn't have a single problem. I felt strong and energetic. We ended up having ten people on the trail - a good turnout for a run that was so far from home.

On the way home, we were talking marathons (what else?) and what my training runs would be like. Specifically, at a 12 minute pace, just how long I'd be out for some of the training runs. I was wondering what it'd be like to do a four-hour training run. Amy, an experienced marathoner, said she would be happy to run my 20 miler with me - when (not if, but when) I'm ready. Cool! I can't wait! I'm always hesitant to ask someone to run with me, given my slower pace and the need to take walk breaks. I'm lucky though, we really do have the best group of people to run with - there is almost always someone ready to run with me. Today it was Sonya and Linda. A week ago it was Rob. Recently, it's been Rick, Jenny, Emily, Barb, Elaine and Darcy. I really appreciate it when someone is willing to slow it down, take walk breaks and keep me company.

Yesterday, I was registering a bunch of us for the STN 12K that is coming up. I had Eric's registration in my hand and I told him he had made a mistake - he'd registered for the red wave, which is my wave, instead of the green, which is his. He said it wasn't a mistake, he was going to run the race with me. I was (and still am) stunned. This is his race! STN was his first race ever, and mine a couple of years later. It's the race he never misses. He's got a time goal he's always trying to break. In all these years, he's only taken that race slowly once - the year we walked it with our boys. And this year, he's running with me. It's one of the best gifts I've ever received.

However, before we get to STN, we've got the Rainier to Ruston 50 mile relay coming up next Saturday. We've got three teams going in - one is a co-ed, mixed age, six-person team; the team I'm on is an all-woman, mixed age, six-person; and Eric has a four-man masters team. And we have Rob, the ultra-guy. It's going to be great!

All though there were a couple run options offered tomorrow, I am passing on them all. Eric is going out for a run with Rob, I'm sleeping in and meeting them at Starbucks. I am taking the day off from both Pilates and running - I'll just be the slacker who shows up for coffee!

15 comments:

Olga said...

Michelle, I am so happy to hear that you had to long runs bac-to-back and felt great! And Eric's gift is priceless, really! And the people in the Y - aw, no wonder Rob never wants to get more interested in any other clubs, who would! Best of luck with relay!

tryathlete said...

Aw. Eric is so sweet!

Legs and Wings said...

It's okay to be the occassional slacker and just show up for coffee. You've been working hard so a rest day will do you good.

I really appreciate your thoughts and your writing Michelle. You are such a warm person. Thanks for your kindness.

Unknown said...

After 36 miles and back to back long runs I think it was a good call to take an off day today and just meet for coffee. If only you would have got there before I ordered that banana chocolate chip muffin and could have stopped me. It has given me this nasty taste in my mouth. Maybe that's why I was zoning out at coffee. They drugged me.

Anne said...

What a great husband you have!

Sarah Elaine said...

I just love how your group throws around words like "slacker" and "sissy" (that was Rob, I think)... and then you all go off and do 20 miles like it's nothing.

I think Rob and Olga are a bad influence! ;-) (And what I wouldn't do to meet all of you -- even if it was only at Starbucks!)

Unknown said...

I'm completely innocent.

Liv said...

Rob? Innocent???? Ha ha I think I'm siding with Sarah Elaine on this one!!!

What Eric did is so sweet! It's tough to slow down for people, *and* tough to feel like you're holding somebody back, but really, when you've got good companionship, it's less about the race and more about the fun. Hope you two have an awesome time!

Olga said...

I am no influence...and I only call Rob a "sissy" because he is:) He is slacking off covered by Michelle's love and acceptance. He knows if I were around I'd have him breathe hard and not talk at all...though at the same time I think this is why he doesn't want me around anymore:) But at the same time I fear if he ever decides to come and pace me - that would be a pay-back, and brutal one.

Anonymous said...

OK, after reading about all the high mileage on your respective blogs I was about to say that Starbucks is the only place I'd want to meet you guys. Because I couldn't keep up with you and would die in the process of trying.

But after hearing all this talk about sissies and enabling, now I'd have to know who is going to be there before I'd commit to come to Starbucks.

Sarah Elaine said...

Rob? Innocent?

Now that made my belly jiggle with laughter!

PuddyRat said...

You continue to make such wonderful progress with your running. I'm absolutely thrilled for you.

I'd love to do a long run with you, but I'm afraid by the time you are ready, I may still be recovering from IMC. However, in the off chance I am not, I'd love to run long with you, or at least run part of the way with you. I enjoy your company!

Thomas said...

That's great of Eric. And the fact the you can truly appreciate it, is great, too!

Good job on those runs. Do you feel that you are fully recovered from your operation?

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

Great job on the miles!!

That is so nice of those guys to run with you. You are lucky to have such a great group of people to train with!!

Dori said...

Four hour training runs? Welcome to my world! That was a very loving gesture your husband made.