I’m a bit hesitant to call this my inaugural run back into running mode, so I’ll let that be determined. Yesterday, in a moment of dire flabbiness, I committed to going for a run in Central Park this morning. And it felt good to be back.
I missed Central Park. And I wanted to be back there. I’ve done nearly no exercise since the November 22nd marathon in Philadelphia. Then I ran a 3:07:32 marathon, which qualified me for Boston. Today, I ran an 8:13 mile. Ha! I didn’t think I was that slow, but it’s not that offensive to me. It’s just a testament to my being out of shape.
Nonetheless, I was not passed, and I even passed some people without having to push myself. I did my shorter route (taking the 102nd St. transverse) so I didn’t do reactive running and just did something that would get me back into it. At around mile 1, I was already trying to psyche myself out, but I overcame that pretty easily and wasn’t attacked again with rival thoughts. (It’s not that uncommon to try to psyche myself out around that same place.)
I’m daring not step on a scale right now. While I haven’t changed pants sizes, I have gotten bigger, and I’ve gotten flabbier. Nothing I’m too, too worried about because in the grand scheme of things, I’m going to run and get trimmer, but it’s more a cause for concern because I may be up for roles this morning for which my slimmer size might be an advantage.
Today’s run was without the aid of any caffeine pills or supplements. Just myself and the road. I wanted to get a sense of what I was like without any modifications. I felt good. I know I’ll get faster, but the theme I put in my head for this run and insisted upon was “casual, Ben.” Whenever I wanted to pass or chase someone, I decided to just stay casual and if I passed them casual, then that’s how I’d pass them.
I’m starting to strategize getting running back into my life. It’s been on my to-do list to plan my running, and reincorporate it into my life. Since November 22nd, I’ve been quite busy, and since December 18th, I’ve been seated for so much of those days, and when not seated, then not very active. This is not to say I haven’t been productive, which is perhaps the statement of the year because I’ve gotten so much done since December 18th it’s so astounding it’s laughable. I still have a sizeable to-do list, and that may rival my running a bit, but I hope I can incorporate it into my life again without going insane.
Cheers for now,
Ben