(Not So) Long Run

If you read yesterday's blog, you know that I went to bed feeling ill, and woke up feeling worse. Thinking a little extra rest might cure my ailments, I added a couple of hours to my regular sleep routine, but it didn't take. The left side of my neck throbbed, an uncomfortable lump sat in the back of my throat, and my left ear felt congested. Not exactly the picture of health.

I spent the afternoon on the couch, contemplating my options. I could take a rest day and push back the long run, or forge ahead as planned. I also watched a baseball game, watched countless videos on YouTube, and mulled over the financial prospects of becoming a retro video game expert. By the time I decided that I would attempt a long run, it was too late; I had to leave for a birthday party. Oops.

I returned to the house around 9:00PM, full of cake and guilt. I didn't want to run anymore, but I also knew that taking the day off was an absolute no-no. Uninspired, I grabbed my running outfit and jogged into the twilight.

Getting out of the house is always my biggest obstacle. Once I start running, everything usually falls into place, and I can settle into a relatively comfortable rhythm with ease. Sure, I have the odd run where I scuff my shoes along the ground for forty-five minutes, but they are thankfully few and far between.

Tonight was no different. I felt like garbage for about five minutes, but once I hit Lancaster Avenue my mood picked up and I allowed myself some time to enjoy the scenery. Saint John's West Side has some beautiful houses and buildings, and I took them all in while analyzing the terrain. You see, a large chunk of Marathon By The Sea takes place on the West Side, and I want to check out as much of the course as possible before the big day.

The section I ran tonight - Main Street and Manawagonish Road - was relatively tame. There are a few hills, but they are small by Saint John standards, and it's a well travelled area, so there is plenty to keep my attention during the race. I ran four miles of the course - it was all I could handle tonight, really - then turned around and headed home. I was spent.

All told, I ran a little over ten miles in about an hour and a half. It wasn't my best effort, and about three miles less than I should have ran today, but considering I almost didn't run at all, I'll take it. Maybe I'll attempt a mid week 20k if my health improves.

Fundraising update: I received my first two donations, and have added a new page to the blog to thank everyone that donates money to the InterAction School of Performing Arts. If you (or your business) wants to support the school, please drop me a line at kvchallenger@gmail.com or click this link!

Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.