an epiphany, a cow turd, and a 3 mile run

I ran my prescribed distance this morning, and I will get to that, but first my epiphany.

We are at the cabin this weekend and when we got off the ferry last night I saw a sign for the annual CowPie Run.  I suddenly realized it has been just over a year that I started jogging running. This time last year, I remember thinking how it would be amazing if I was fit enough to run in the local event.  The route is only 8km (the hilliest damn 8km ever) and in fact I have now run the route ten’s of times, once even double looped it when training for my half earlier this year.

It really makes me realize just how far I have come in a year. I now consider myself a runner. I am not fast, or agile, and I certainly don’t look graceful, but dammit I can run.  It really, really shows what you can do when you put your mind to it, especially given that this is not something that comes naturally to me, something very kindly pointed out by my father.  This mentality will be what I have to remember tomorrow, during what promises to be a rainy, hilly, little race.

First thing this morning I pounded out my quick 3 miles. Even after last night’s epiphany I wasn’t feeling like getting out of bed. My foot was really sore and I was just tired. I did my laps all fine, though still too fast. My legs actually felt pretty good after the day off but I was generally not feeling the run.  Check, done. Sometimes they are like that.

• Distance: 3.07 miles
• Time: 30:43
• Pace:10:12
• Avg\Max HR: 148/162
• Cals: 327
• Laps (miles): 9:56, 10:56, 9:53. (guess which one had the big hill and rough trail in it?)

So I went to the farmers market, asked what the course record was, got intimidated and almost signed up with the walkers, then manned up. I am all ready to go for tomorrow, it is only 8k which should be close enough to my long run of the week and it is my first race since my half.  It is all about participation, not competition, now if only I could convince myself I believe that!

Oh, and if you are wondering what a cowpie is, its a turd. Yes, yes it SURE is.  I love this island.