Random Thoughts

9:05PM


I realize that I haven't written a post in a week, so I figured it's about time. Problem - I don't really have anything to write about. I'm kindof in a running blah right now. In other words, nothing big is happening in the world of running at the moment. My next race is over a month away so it's kindof just same old stuff right now. But there are a few random thoughts I thought I'd share.

First of all, I'm being forced to watch "Toddlers and Tiaras" with my wife right now. Actually, I'm not being forced. I could get my lazy rear end off the couch, but I just don't feel like it. Plus, I'm kindof having fun making fun of the show with my wife. It's one of those shows that so ridiculous and crazy that it's entertaining. Know the type? But I think it's safe to say that I won't be a regular viewer of that one. But I am glad little Kinley won. She was the best. Yikes. I'm showing interest. New topic.

Treadmill. I did 4 of my 6 runs this week on the treadmill. Why? I don't know. Sunday was because there was too much snow on the ground. The other three times, it was raining and I could've just gotten wet, but I just didn't feel up to it. Of my 4 runs on the treadmill, 2 were good and 2 were just ok. Sometimes I really enjoy running on it and sometimes I can't stand it. Again, I'm really glad to have it. I like that I don't have to put on a whole lot of clothes to run on it like I do if I run outside. And it's a great backup plan, but it just doesn't compare to running outside overall. I did run 5 miles on it twice this week which is more than I've ever done on it. I wouldn't want to do more than that. Even with watching TV or listening to my Ipod, it's just boring after that many miles seeing the same thing over and over.

The Wall. I was listing to a podcast this week while running on the treadmill. It was a runner talking about how after 5 marathons, he finally had one where he didn't hit "the wall". It hit me that I had never used that phrase in my two marathon reports, but it is so obvious that I hit it smack dab in my first marathon and I didn't hit it at all in my 2nd. Whatever "the wall" is, whether physical, mental, emotional, whatever, it does exist. And it was so obvious to me that I hit it the first time and not the second. I kept waiting for it during the 2nd marathon but it never came and that was such a great feeling. The podcaster's point was that it IS possible to run a marathon without hitting it and he's right. I'm hoping now that's I've done one without it, it'll be easier to avoid it because it wasn't fun.

Fall Marathon. I really really really want to sign up for a fall marathon and I plan to soon. I'm just trying to find the right one. I really want to do Chicago and I will one day. I just have to see if this is the right year. With my new coaching job, it's hard to know if I can fit it in my schedule because it would be right in the middle of my Cross Country season. I don't think it would conflict, but I'm still checking. Money is also an issue right now. I just paid for the Goofy challenge as well as a hotel in Orlando so I hate to plop down another $125 on Chicago, but I'm going to have to pay for a fall race eventually. I don't want to do nothing! I've also considered doing Memphis again. Or the Chicamauga Battlefield marathon. Or Huntsville. Any of those would be good. I've considered waiting on Chicago but a big part of me wants to do it now. This year. We'll see. I just want to decide soon. I don't like holding off.

Ok, that's about it for tonight. I'll do 12 again in the morning for my weekly long run. Gonna be another cold one. It's 30 degrees out there right now. No telling what it'll be in the morning. Have a good night everyone!

Keep runnin',
Albert