Week 6 of 18: 3 miles (1)

Distance: 3 miles
Weather: Chilly, dark
Course: 1 mile track, 2 miles rolling hills
Pace: 10.85 per mile

First of all, I guess I should address the fact that last week didn't happen. I have various excuses for that, one being it was really cold for little old me, two being I was having serious doubts about my life and my course in it and finally I guess I was just being stubborn. I haven't worked out my life, and obviously one week isn't going to make a difference in the long run of my training. These things happen. It would be better if they didn't, but it's just one of those minor bumps in an other wise relatively smooth life.

Secondly, I'd like to congratulate wamez on his first half marathon (he's done a marathon and several other 10k/5k type runs in addition to being a cross country guy in high school). The course went right through my neighborhood, literally a two block walk from my apartment, so I walked down and watched the run and cheered for the participants. Wamez looked like he was doing pretty well, and he sailed by so fast I didn't get a picture. He's one of those runners that makes it look easy. It makes me jealous and inspired. I've never cheered for runners before (aside from my brief stint in junior high track) and I have to say it was pretty awesome. So many runners are, like me, just out there to check off a life goal and they are so grateful to have a cheering section, no matter how small it is. I got thanked more that day than I did in a month as a customer service person in retail. I wonder if there's any way to get a job as a professional cheering section.

Finally, my run, my goals and what the hell is next. I'm thinking I'm back on track for the LA Marathon, but I didn't register early so they'll add another couple of bucks onto my entry fee. Which normally I would just shrug off, but things are tight around ol' casa del Tamara and I'm feeling the holiday pinch and the mechanical failure of my magical junk bucket has me a little more concerned about money than normal. I'm going to try and stay on track and see what the new year brings in terms of luck and fortune. As for this particular three mile run. I feel like I kind of rocked it. I knew I was running fast, especially when I stumbled and almost fell face first into the pavement. I had many visions of broken teeth and collar bones in the three seconds it took me to recover. I felt strong and good for most of this run. It might have something to do with the McDonald's McFlurry and french fries I treated myself with today. (Don't judge, there are some things such as bad car news, that only McDonalds McFlurries can heal.)

One run at a time.