Tomorrow is the family party, since there’s still quite a bit of prep to do I didn’t want to leave my training run until then. Also, I didn’t want to be wiped from training and then not enjoy the evening. Instead, I decided to put my miles in today. A week day.
I was scheduled to do 13.1, a half, but I ended up finishing up with 10.8 miles. The reason was two fold, I misjudged the total number of miles home so arrived sooner than I thought. There were really no safe places to tack extra miles on when I arrived back at the house too early. The second reason was that I felt some slight pain in my legs and just felt tired. I’m frustrated that I didn’t get the full mileage count but I’m pleased that I tried something new and different-running in an unfamiliar place.
I did learn that there is value in planning out your run ahead of time and knowing your course. I spent quite a bit of time running in circles in neighborhoods. Weaving in and out of culs-de-sac to add mileage. I can only imagine what the neighbors thought of this person running loops in their neighborhood. By the end of the long run, I am typically so tired that thinking of where I need to go and trying to calculate distance is a bit challenging. And makes the long run less training focused and more thinking focused.
I did giggle at a few of the views that I took in. Signs are something I am always drawn too, and two really caught my eye. I am curious to know how many people attempt to get onto 495 on a horse. Also, the street sign was perfect timing. I was mid-run and really struggling. The subtle reminder to suck it up wasn’t lost on me, even in my exhaustion.
I also managed to be in two places at once! A very interesting experience, though not nearly as strange as one might expect if one has ever viewed Star Trek or any Harry Potter film. Basically I found a spot where I was standing in two towns at the same time. 
Sort of a cheesy nod to Nicholas Sparks A Walk To Remember.
I tried to make the day an adventure. I tried to enjoy the sights that I don’t typically see. I viewed the day as a win, even though I didn’t hit my exact miles. I made the time to get up and run. Making sure that I put in the work and effort that needed to be done. My average per mile pace wasn’t fantastical-13:15 average but I stayed consistent in my pace. Fluctuating no more than a minute from my slowest to fastest mile.
I finished the Ellen audio book. It was my favorite listen. It had it’s moments of humor and insight, but it also had moments where it just rambled unending and nonsensically.
They were comedic monologues that didn’t really flow with the rest of the book. Her guided meditation was really NOT helpful. However, I am enjoying the concept of audio books while running. I am grateful that I discovered the app Hoopla.
Hoopla is a free app that allows you to borrow audio books, e-books and other types of literary media from your local library. You are permitted eight books a month. Which is perfect since I’m usually done an audio book within a couple weeks of long runs. The use of Audible.com was going to be too cost prohibitive given the $15 monthly subscription PLUS the cost of the book itself. Hoopla was definitely a great alternative.
It wasn’t until I got in the shower that I realized that my waistband of my underwear had rubbed a raw spot on my back. It’s unusual given that I have had these drawers for a few years and have worn them a few times for long runs. It was pretty warm and I was sweating pretty profusely, I’m thinking that the combination of the sweat and movement yielded a sort spot on my back. I must admit that chafing results in colorful language when its met with warm water.
Overall, I was pleased with the day. I took away quite a few lessons. But mostly I got some miles in without too much interruption to the rest of the family.
What has been your experience when running while on vacation/away from home base? Do you find it fun or stressful?
Happy Running!
GeekyTriathlete 