I run not to go fast, but to go far

Today I wanted to run to the beach. It's a treat for me, but there's a cost. Ten miles. And I don't get to end at the beach, that's just the halfway point. But I love running to the water. There's just something about it. And most of the route (miles two through eight) is really beautiful.

This morning I left around six thirty. Not early enough. It was soooo hot and humid already. I knew from the first mile that the run would be a challenge to finish, and that I'd end up walking some of it.

Things I should've done differently:

~Gone to bed earlier last night

~Woken up earlier this morning

~Drank more water yesterday

On Tuesday, I got up intending to run about four miles, and ended up doing seven. NOT normal for me. But some kind of fluke cold(er) front had settled over St. Pete. The cloud cover kept me from getting any direct beatings from the sun (not the case today). I thought this was probably the last cool day I'd have for a while. I should keep going! So I did, and felt fantastic the whole time.

Although today was quite different, I still enjoyed it. I didn't beat myself up over the segments where I had to walk. The three water stops were crucial (Walgreens X2 and the Bilmar Hotel on the beach). It took more time than usual to finish, but finish I did.

And I got to see this:

Gulf of Mexico

I'm so blessed to live here

The many fiction podcasts I listen to helped to distract, as always. I've learned that I'm a dissociative runner (versus an associative runner). Not sure if I mentioned that on this blog before. Another running blogger introduced me to the idea, I believe Mom's Home Run. Dissociative running means that I want to think about anything except what I'm doing. Listening to short stories is a wonderful distraction. Associative runners (my super fast cousin, Alyssa, would be one) want to think about the visceral running experience as they are in it. I'm sure there are better explanations elsewhere.

I'm wearing the shirt I got from the Dunesteef Audio Fiction Magazine where I have an upcoming publication. The front says, "Your mountain is waiting..." and the back says, "So get on your way!" The quote is from Dr. Seuss's Oh, The Places You'll Go. It's an inspiring reminder that my challenges are mine, and I'm the one who gets the privilege of taking them on. I connect that to the verse that talks about God not giving us more than we can handle. And Jesus said, "In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" (John 16:33 NRSV). I know running and persecution are not the same, but sometimes that's exactly what it feels like.

I have a new running mantra. I'm still the Anti-Running Runner, but I'm also honing my ultimate goal.