If it makes you happy.

j

This little place is where Woman and I spent our time together this morning. It has the BEST ice coffee (and trust me, I've sampled all that my local area has to offer), friendly staff and a darling atmosphere. Naturally, it's my favorite coffee shop. She studied human guts while I updated my training log and got swept away in the latest issue of Runners Word magazine (I've more than likely read it twice already, but hey, I have to make it do until next month!)  I munched away on granola, a banana, all the while drinking half of my body weight in coffee (you know, the typical "pre run fuel") I couldn't help but feel like something big was going to happen, or something inside of me might actually be changing.  My mind started racing with all sorts of goals for next running season, and the one even after that - it was all processing so fast that I'm sure my legs couldn't run that fast to keep up, even if they really tried. So what if some of those things never make it to be my reality, it feels fulfilling and awesome to be setting long term goals for myself.  It might not be the "education route" that every one wants for me, but the point is (and the most important) is that I see running as a future for me - and that makes me happy, thats what I want to do.  Thats what I'm going to do. Let's face it, a degree in english isn't going to make me into a huge bread winner,  and it sure as hell isn't going to make me a better runner - so why waste my time? It might not pay the bills, but something else will. Running is where my heart is, one hundred percent. I feel like I had a huge "ah-ha!" moment this morning and I'm absolutely in love with the way it made me feel. Im proud of the goals I've set and the accomplishments I've achieved, even if they happen to differ from what everyone else wants. I never want to lose sight of this moment.

 I broke down and bought a new Nike sensor today after telling myself for the past few months that I really didn't need it. Truth is? For longer runs, I do need it. I live for that woman living in my iPod to tell me that my miles are half way done. So thank me apple? No, thank you. And I will be happy to continue extending my thanks if this one can last me for more than 187 miles.  The instructions say you get 1,000 hours out of this bad boy, but my old one (may the running gods bless its soul) died after only 30 - 40 hours. With its non replaceable, non rechargeable battery, it is needless to say, I was not/am not impressed. My love for Nike and addiction to milage made me give it another try. Fingers, toes and wallet are most certainly crossed.
 Any who, my original plan was to run 5 miles today, however actually being able to see my miles and time (or hear it, whatever you prefer) really gave me the spark and motivation to keep going for 8. I had to take little breaks in-between to work through stomach pain - but still, I'm really happy with it- especially with how it ended, and I'm proud that I was able to push through. This sensor is the key to training up to my 13 miles, I just know it. It's harder to give up on something when you an physically see just how far you've come. It also helps that the weather is FINALLY staring to change. Bring on fall! (but no rush on the snow, thanks.) I plan on repeating this same run in the morning, I just need my body to decide to be a team player.  Sometimes it gets hard to be your own coach - will no "formal" training or advice, I feel like I'm just winging it. I'd say that I'm doing a decent job so far, but I want to ensure growth and faster PR's - and I hope my dedication and slave training is enough to get me there. Plenty of people do this (whatever "this" is) without coaches, right? I have faith in myself. I just really hope thats enough.