Back at it (sort of)

So, last week in desperate efforts to get back to running, I sent out an email to my running folks and asked if anyone wanted to do a 6AM Lake Loop. (I usually have problems getting a group together at 6 when we aren't actually "training") I run at 6 because I am slow and it's hot, and why the heck would I want to sleep in that extra hour and get used to it? This only backfires during the 20 miler weeks! Anyways! I finally got a response and was thrilled because it was from one of my favorite running buddies and I knew I couldn't leave him hanging by not showing up.

Our one-on-one run quickly became a small group of our usual pack and it was so much fun to be out with my friends again. Of course I struggled for every single one of those 9 miles (I woke up in some fantasy land where I was going to try for double digits--I'm obviously deranged). It was hot. Summer hit us like a freight train and the damn humidity. I haven't gotten used to this yet, so, that was an added struggle (sure, record snow and freezing temperatures, and then we go straight to 90 degrees....), but, I did it.

Usuaully, you know me, I get all bitchy and upset at myself if I don't hit a certain number of miles or a certain pace or whatever, but, would you believe that I was just happy? I was so proud of myself for getting up, getting out there and pushing through the damn heat and humidity. Sure, 10 miles would have been better, but, I ran the best 9 miles I could on that day under those circumstances (it's like I'm a grown up or something).

Best part of the day? One of my regular running buddies is running an October marathon (like me!) and once I'm finished with the hell that is El Scorcho training, she and I are going to power through end end of July and August together--there's nothing worse than having to get in 10 extra miles after your group finishes. I was dreading having to train through the summer months by myself. I detest long runs alone. I detest them even more when it's 500 degress out. Thank goodness we'll be able to stick it out together! And? She's a little quicker than me, so, I'll have to step it up!

So sure, I'm not quite back up to my crazy running standards, but, we're getting there. I mean hell, I willingly paid money (a large amount, I might add) to run a 50k that starts at midnight. When did I become this person? (I kinda like her. She's kinda hardcore. Even if she does wear pink on her runs and sports a headband that says 'In My Dreams I am a Kenyan'. And then hopes she doesn't offend anyone)