Thursday, October 19, 2006

An October Run

This morning's run was everything I love about fall. Pitch black. Pouring rain. Windy. Fluttering leaves. Shiny wet roads. Oddly warm. I love running on stormy mornings - feeling like I'm challenging the elements, feeling strong and adventurous. Water dripping off the brim of my hat, splashing through puddles. Home to a hot shower. Sipping my tea while the wind rattles the windows and the rain pounds against the skylight. Knowing that I was out in it, soaked through and running, running, running. But now I'm home, warm, dry, cat on my feet, dog by my side, bright lights pushing the dark away. I love, love, love running in wet and stormy October!

I haven't done any better on my sleep this week. I worked Monday and Tuesday nights, and last night I picked Eric up at work and we went to visit Web. He took us to his new place of work and then we went to dinner. Another late night. The thing is, if you've been reading my posts over the past eight months, then you will know that I was the Queen of Nappage. I can nap for five minutes or forty-five minutes. I can nap once a day or five times a day. I need my naps. I do. I haven't been getting them lately and that, combined with late nights and early morning, high mileage runs makes for a tired girl. If I organize my day right, I can get up, run, shower, breakfast and nap before I go to work. I haven't been able to organize my day right for the last two weeks. I'll be working on that for sure!

And in answer to a comment-question, no I won't be crewing for the guys at Autumn Leaves. Big reason #1 is the day after is my next marathon. Big reason #2 is that there will be sleeping in the car, or even worse, maybe a tent. In November. Not happening, no way, no how. I may love running in the fall, but I don't love camping in the cold and wet. Now, if a hotel was involved, I might've considered it. Eric, Steve and Rob will be on their own this time. But not really, because they've got an in with the Captain of Race Central. Maybe she'll be extra sweet to the guys running without their trusty crew...

So far this week:
Rest and Pilates on Monday
8 miles on Tuesday
6 mile hill run with Rob on Wednesday
4.2 mile stormy fall run today

13 comments:

Sarah said...

Tell them to at least rent one of the cabins at Champoeg next time. : )

My favorite day-off-from-work treat when I'm home is to get up before sunrise, run, shower and go back to bed while its still dark. That is the best nap ever!

JustRun said...

Oh, I love after run/shower naps. Those are the best!

Anonymous said...

Pitch black. Pouring rain. Windy.

You make it sound soooo appealing!

Olga said...

I am with Sarah on after-dark-run-back-to-sleep!
And you are nuts. Did you mean you like actually getting out into dark windy rainy cold mornings? Or getting back home and been proud?

Ryan said...

You possess the spirit of running, thank you for writing it down in a post for everyone to enjoy! Have a good nap!

D said...

I love everything but the rain. The rain is perfect when it is hot and I need refreshing rain.

Wes said...

If you need some pointers on napping with your eyes open, let me know. For me, it's always a quick thirty minutes in the car at soccer practice. You make running in the cold sound like so much fun. I admit dreading it a little bit, but I'm not going to let it stop me. After my face this weekend, I think Dee Dee and I will get some wet weather gear. Its about that time here in Atlanta!!

*jeanne* said...

Sounds like an awesome run!

I have gotten so spoiled with my running since I moved from New York. I used to run in ALL weather. Now I whimp out when it's too cold, too wet, too hot...

Joe said...

Awesome fall running, Michelle, way to go!!!

Unknown said...

You're twisted. Just thought you should know that.

tryathlete said...

I'm with Rob. I give you all my cold wet mornings. Enjoy.

G.P. said...

Good on ya for the cold morning run... Gets points. Here in Montana when I did a short run ending up at our corral rounding up our horses... praying that the weather G-ds would cooperate for my first horse show in a little while this morning

Same pre-race nerves I get for ultras. :)
happy trails all
GP in Montana

Sarah Elaine said...

I grew up on the East Coast... Got enough of being cold and wet then. Now I love the dry sunshine of Calgary.

I enjoy the sheer joy you express in your posts, though!

I am with you on the shower and hot tea though...