First Long Run

I am thinking that at my first long run, I won't be in such poor shape. We only have to run 4 miles and I have run 3 already this week so what's another mile?

Turns out, that other mile is the difference between slight discomfort and extreme nausea.

We started our run at 8 a.m. thinking we would beat the heat. Not so, my friends. It was already sweltering when we arrived at the bike path prompting our coach to declare that we are to run at 7 a.m. for the rest of our summer long runs. EGAD! Thank god I don't have a Friday night social life anymore as I did in my youth.

Our coach tells us that we have to sign in and sign out each week to make sure we are all accounted for. Presumably, if I don't sign out, they will send a search party for me on the bike path. They will likely find me curled up all fetal in a ditch praying for an end to the suffering while I try to find my happy place with Sven in a loin cloth feeding me grapes and fanning me with a palm frond, but I digress. (sorry J)

He also tells us that we will likely find others who run at our pace and they will be our buddies, so to speak. I did find others who worked at my pace but it is a rather pathetic retelling.

I run slowly. Very slowly. I will finish, but it won't be breaking any records. There was a group of girls who I think were new to running - which I applaud. Well, they ran/walked the 4 miles and for the first 2 we would pass each other. When they were walking, I would run past, when they ran, they would run past me. It was sort of odd. The coach did say that I was running at a consistent pace which is better than an alternative (which I think would be standing still).

I did find a buddy who runs a bit faster than I. She is pretty cool and she keeps things in perspective. She was a bit upset that I described my time as pathetic. She said, it is what it is. You are running, that's better than nothing. Already I have someone who is motivating me. She's cool and she does well. With any luck, I will be able to train so that I can keep up with her. I can see myself being motivated by her during the marathon. Perhaps I can return the favor at some point.

That would be nice.