My long runs are getting a little longer right now. (Or is it harder? Sometimes I get confused.) I’m trying to go easy on myself because not only do I want to remain uninjured but should I decide to actually participate in a race beyond a 10K this year, I’d sort of like to wait until I have set that goal. If I just start increasing mileage now for no real reason then when it comes time for it to be for real, I might burn myself out. Part of me is not sure if that’s a reasonable person talking or if it’s a lazy one. Ah, yes, do not run too much. No. Wouldn’t want to burn out before something that may or may not happen. Yeah. I’m gonna go with: it is wise.
Anyway, yesterday my long run (which is, of course, relative) was just over eight miles. In a lot of ways, I’m a different runner than what I was a few years ago. Nothing is really new, I know everything well enough to know what to expect. I’ve learned to take it as it comes rather than wanting every run to be perfect. Still, there are also some things about my running that haven’t changed. For one, I like to be entertained on a run. Scenery, music if I’m running inside, or conversation all help me get through this grueling task I do completely by choice.
I left my house yesterday morning and headed for a local trail. For about a mile, before you cross to the trail, you have to run down this tree-lined sidewalk. It’s cool and shady and, during this time of year, very loud. There must be a hundred bird’s nests in those trees and I think every single egg hatched on the same day. Now, as you pass them, what sounds like 500 baby birds squeak and scream. Yes, it is a very cute concept, I suppose. The not-so-cute part, however, are the parents. The adult birds, ever-present and even louder than their offspring, do everything they can to let you know you are in the wrong place. Apparently missing the fact that I don’t have wings, anywhere between five and fifteen of them are flying no more than a yard or two over my head in this frightening swooping pattern. They have this oddly loud chirping/warning signal and it is all no doubt a carefully constructed play probably called Get This Human Out of Our Territory. You know, like a Sweep but more intimidating. And more dangerous.
Thankfully, this was the most eventful part of the run. For as often as I choose to whine about runs that don’t go well, I try to remind myself to appreciate the ones that do, even if they’re just okay. A lot of things are either changing or about to change in and around my life right now, and if a good run wants to come along in the middle of all that, well by all means. Sometimes things can get so distracting or weigh so heavily on my mind that they get in the way of running. It’s nice to have running interfere with everything else once in a while.
Dingo says:
I’ve hit the do I run today or not questions the past two — heat advisory so I shouldn’t run, right? My ankle is swollen, I cna’t run right? Am I lazy or just smart?
I hope the birds don’t carry you away on your next run.
June 16th, 2008 at 6:26 am
jc says:
I have birds that do that too - although they are in my yard and they get very pissy about me sitting on my front porch. Last year they moved their babies closer to the back yard, then dive-bombed the older dog while he was in the yard. That did not end well for the bird doing the dive bombing.. or it’s babies Im sure… birds sure have a lot of feathers.
Gratz on the peaceful run. They are praise-worthy.
jc
June 16th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Danielle says:
Ah…I’m picturing the movie “The Birds” here…and you know, things like that make me want to stand there and rile them up more…but that’s me. It is nice to “get away” sometimes during a run.
As far as the long runs…you’re right, it’s all relative. For myself, when I’m not in “training” I like to build up to having a steady knowledge that I can do 12 miles at any given time…making the long run, at least every other week, in that 10-12 mile range and maybe, on occasion, pushing it up to 15 or so…that way I know, heading into any training, I’m ready to ramp up and hit harder training for a half, and if it’s a full, I’m already only a few miles from the longest I need to do, and I could even ramp up in 12 weeks if I ever decided to do one in that short of a period of time. I know you weren’t really asking, but just wanted to throw my .02 out there in case you were wondering.
June 16th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Dingo says:
Oh lord! I just re-read my comment. I really shouldn’t post when I’ve only had about two hours of sleep.
June 16th, 2008 at 11:52 am
nicole says:
8 miles that’s awesome. The farthest I’ve ran this year is 5 miles! How sad is that. 5 miles might actually be my longest run since my marathon in 2006! I guess your right it is definitely relative. keep up the great work.
June 16th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Mel Heth says:
When I was training for a half marathon, I never did more than 6 by myself. Kudos to you for going 8 solo! I always did my longer runs with my girlfriends - and you’re right - the talking definitely helps pass the time!
By the way, if you can do 8, you can totally do 13.1. I see a half marathon in your future.
June 16th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Dawn says:
Girl, the mama and papa birds are no joke…be careful!
June 17th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Jacinta says:
I only started running last year and I definitely find it easier with a buddy. Well done on getting out there! As for me, I am about to start up again… if only I had kept going, it wouldn’t feel like such a mammoth task right now.
and swooping birds? You’re a brave woman! I would avoid that area bigtime… unless of course it meant running an extra few ks!
Enjoy!
June 17th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
dadshouse says:
I HATE getting swooped on by birds! (Though the chirping chicks are nice)
If you ever want to do a really fun marathon, Napa is great, probably my favorite.
June 17th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Girlgoyle says:
Yikes! Good thing they didn’t cover you in bird doo too.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:30 am