The Ken Doll

I would have blogged sooner, but the power has been out at Chateau Jilly and my nights writing stories were replaced with nights shuffling around the house with a flashlight. Today is the first full day with electricity since hurricane Irene visited us last Sunday, so I have some catching up to do.

The thing about being without power is that it makes you feel…well, powerless! Simple things like flushing the toilet, packing lunch, making dinner, all become major hurdles of daily life. I needed something normal, something familiar, to keep me grounded and remind me that I’m okay. So at 5am on Monday, aided by a flashlight in the pitch dark, I packed my gym bag and headed to work. All stories at work revolved around the storm, and those without electricity vastly outnumbered those with. By noon I was looking forward to breaking free and going for a jog around town. I wondered how the residents up there had fared in the storm. Todd was the only other runner at lunch on Monday, so the two of us headed out together. I forewarned him that I wouldn’t be very speedy, because I’m really trying to nurse my hip, and he said he wasn’t worried about it. We ran together for the first half mile, and then he took off. We had already mapped out our route so I wasn’t worried about getting left behind. At this point, I’m used to it. What did catch me off guard though, was when I rounded a corner and spotted Todd on the side of the road, shirt off, doing push-ups! I caught up to him and shouted something ridiculous, at which point I think his chin hit pavement, and then he jumped up and started running again. We jogged together for a few seconds, and I asked why he couldn’t just enjoy a nice leisurely run. He rattled off a few testosterone-injected responses and sprinted off again. We repeated this leapfrog routine for the entire 3 mile run, and more than once I mentioned how embarrassing he is to run with. I can’t even imagine what people driving by must have thought, or the homeowners seeing some sweaty shirtless bald guy doing push-ups under their maple tree. By the end of the three miles, I was feeling pretty good (except for my hip) and Todd said he felt like he was going to puke. So did I, psychologically.

Tuesday Todd opted for yoga at lunch so just Kerri and I ran together. We did the same run as I had done with Todd the day before, only Kerri split off and did an extra mile and a half on the way back. I’m trying to just stick with 3-4 miles at lunch now, because of my hip, so usually this means either I take a short cut back, or my running partner thinks up crazy interval training to compensate for the short distance. Wednesday I didn’t run because I needed to give my hip a break. I’ve come to the realization that I absolutely cannot run three days in a row. If I do, I can’t walk on that fourth day. Instead, Todd found a new guy to run with. I had never seen this guy before so I don’t know if he’s new to the company or if he just started running, but somehow Todd found out he runs and recruited him into our club. We all know how I feel about opening the running circle at lunch, so I was immediately skeptical of this new guy. Todd had run with him once last week and said he was “okay, not bad, he kept up for a while but he’s still working on his pace. Not bad for his first time out. Big guy, definitely more of a weight lifter”. As I figured, Todd had recruited another runner that would be slowing us down. I was actually okay about it though, because it would be nice to have someone slower than me for once. Coincidentally on Wednesday I went out for an errand on my lunch break and happened to spot Todd and the new guy running down the street. He sure didn’t look that slow or winded to me, and Todd told me after they had done 4.3 miles. I started to think this new newbie might be less of a dud than some of the others.

Thursday, still without power, I once again packed my running clothes and insisted on a 3 mile run to make me feel normal. Even better, the original four were all planning to run. (Todd, Jaimee, Kerri, and I). It was like a reunion and I was looking forward to really feeling back in the old routine. It had been exactly a month since Jaimee had injured herself and except for a couple of failed test-runs, she hadn’t been out with us at lunch. She’s been going to PT and the doctor did some electric shock therapy on her knee Wednesday night, and she was eager to see if it worked. This is the same doctor that the week before told her to go home, eat a banana and drink a glass of wine, and he guaranteed she’d be able to run 30 minutes the next day. (She couldn’t). We now refer to her physical therapist as the witch doctor. At the last minute Kerri got stuck in a meeting and couldn’t make it, and instead Todd drafted the new guy.

This was our first time meeting the new guy, and as part of the sacred lunch runners’ code, newbies are under no circumstances allowed to know about the Thought Per Mile blog. At first glance he seemed like a good guy. Good looking, great personality, appropriately dressed, saying all the right things and using all the right running lingo. On the surface he seemed to fit right in, but I figured he was just trying to make a good first impression. I made myself promise that I would give this guy the benefit of the doubt, and not be too critical. We headed out to the parking lot and the new guy immediately started up in a trot. He definitely didn’t need a warm up. He was telling us about running with Todd on Wednesday and how much of a challenge Todd is to run with. Yeah, yeah. I know. Don’t worry, he’ll do push-ups and wait for you. Then he mentioned, “yeah we were averaging a 6 minute pace on that trail, I was sweating all afternoon”. Gulp. I wish I could say what else he said, but that was the last I saw of Todd, Jaimee, or the Ken Doll for the entire run. Within 15 seconds of starting, they were out of earshot, and within a half mile, I never saw them again until the turnaround point.

Jaimee’s knee held up pretty well and she kept up with the guys for much of the run, so maybe her witch doctor finally found the right brew. When I got back to the parking lot, the three of them were cooling off in the shade and I got a round of pity-applause. Since the run was so short we still had plenty of time to kill, so the four of us walked around the building once to cool off. This was my first chance to really see the dynamic of the group unfold. Todd and the Ken Doll exchanged stories of their athletic prowess, who’s conquered the biggest obstacles, scaled the tallest walls, or climbed the highest ropes. The air was ripe with testosterone and you could practically hear them thumping their chests. It seems that Todd has found another Todd.

Back in the locker room Jaimee and I concurred that our lunch runs would never be the same. Todd found a competitor. Someone he would never let get ahead of him and who would constantly be challenging him to run faster and create even more absurd drills every half mile. Gone are the days of the nine minute miles, and the casual jogs sprinkled with scandalous conversations. Todd, our playful puppy and mascot of the lunch runners, has his very own Ken Doll.

Fun runs and a newbie update

I’ve had a good start to the month, with 38 miles logged so far in 7 of 10 days.  I also decided that since I don’t have major race coming up for a while, I may as well mix up my running a little bit and have more fun with it.  On Tuesday for my fun run, I went down to the West Hill Dam and did “Dam Laps” (not Damn laps).  This “lap” consists of running across the top of the dam, then running down a steep hill to the bottom of it, then down alongside the bottom, and then back up a steep hill back onto the top.  One lap is just over a half mile, and it’s really the best of both worlds with some tough hills coupled with some nice breaks in between.  So I did a few of those laps and then continued on a nice easy trail run.  It was a great way to spend an hour.  Wednesday I ran with the lunch group down to the ice cream stand, but ran into some serious stomach issues and ended up leaving work early.  Wednesday was also the day I promised my son Andrew that I would take him on his first run.  (More on him later). 

My fun runs continued for the rest of the week, where I did 5.6 miles on Thursday and my favorite 8 mile loop on Saturday.  It seems ironic that now that the pressure’s off and there isn’t a significant race in my near future, I’m logging all kinds of extra miles.  It’s amazing what a difference a month makes!

Newbie Updates:

Pinky:  By far the most common question I get from blog followers is, “Did Pinky ever run with you again?”  If you aren’t familiar with Pinky, refer to the New Recruit.  Pinky has not yet run with us again, but according to Todd she’s running on her own and building up the strength to run with us again someday.  I'm very much looking forward to leaving her in my dust running with her again.

Sister:  It was one week ago today that I dragged my sister out on her first walk/jog.  She did well despite the initial complaining, and I had hoped I didn’t push her too hard or scare her off.  I talked to her on the phone today to see if she wanted to run again tonight, and she announced that today was the first day since last Sunday that she could walk without pain and that her knee has been giving her problems.  I’m hoping she will be willing to give it a try again soon, but we might have to do more walking and less running next time.

Son:  As I mentioned earlier, I made a deal with my son that I would help him get into better shape.  Wednesday was our first run together.  It was a 1 mile walk/run.  He held up well and I made sure we walked before he was exhausted so that he wouldn’t overdo it.  Tonight we pushed a little harder and did a 2.25 mile walk/run.  It’s funny watching a 15 year old running for the first time.  Whereas I’m usually concerned about my form, my Garmin, or logging miles, Andrew was more concerned with high-fiving the pine tree branches and hurdling the speed bumps in the park.  It was pretty funny seeing running through the eyes of a non-running teenager.  We continued the walk/run pattern for the whole loop, although there was a lot more walking towards the end.  He was pretty tired by the time we got back, and I’m crossing my fingers that I didn’t push him too hard.  I’m starting to develop this pattern of One-and-Done running partners, (not unlike my dating life) but at least with Andrew I have a little more power of persuasion!

Sister's first (and only?) run

My sister has been threatening me since last summer that she was going to start running.  She even joined a gym and assured me that she was walk/jogging on the treadmill and doing some additional walk/jogging on a nearby track.  But the days got shorter, the track got covered in snow, she couldn't possibly make it to the gym, there's never enough time, she didn't have any clean socks, her daughter stole her sneakers... you get the picture.  Then a couple months ago she tells me about a 5k nearby that she wants to run with me.  I was excited about this and she swore she was going to start working out asap to get in shape for it.  But... the track was covered in snow, her dog ate her socks... you get the picture.

Last month for her birthday we went shoe shopping and she picked out a sweet new pair of Saucony running shoes.  I convinced her to get the running socks too.  I've asked her a few times how she's liking her new shoes but she still hasn't found just the right opportunity to use them.  Today she was coming over for a visit and I sent her a text saying "Don't forget your sneakers".  So today marked Julie's very first run.  Yay Julie!

She showed up wearing her fancy shiny Saucony's, and held in her hand a beat up old pair of clunky sneakers.  She said she didn't want to get her new shoes dirty so she was going to switch into the old ones to go running.  I vetoed that idea and forced her to break in the new ones.  I changed into some running clothes and felt a little ridiculous wearing a teal shirt and capris with a matching teal stripe down the side.  I looked like someone I would make fun of.  I returned a few minutes later and she exclaimed, "Oh come on, do you have to look so hot?!".  I asked her if she wanted me to change into something uglier, but finally she said we better leave before she changed her mind. 

I took her down the trails behind my house, and shortly after starting off she was worrying about me going too fast, losing her in the woods, and getting a tick infestation.  I said if she's worried about ticks she better run faster, and I just ran 15k yesterday so I was looking forward to a nice easy run.  We finally started running when the terrain evened out a bit.  I ran with her until she needed a walk break, then I'd run ahead for a while and double back.  This actually worked out really well for me because it let me change my pace up as much as I wanted, and built in more mileage from all the doubling back. 

She was a real trooper and had a great first run.  I'm hoping it wasn't too painful for her so that she'll stick with it and eventually maybe she'll get addicted like the rest of us.  Shortly after returning to the house, Julie found a tick on her.  I'm calling it a self fulfilling prophecy.  If I'm going to have any chance at getting her to run with me again, I might have to suggest sticking to the roads.

The new recruit

The usual running cronies are all back to normal routines.   Jaimee’s marathon training is in full swing, Todd’s IT band is slowly recovering from his half marathon, my cranky foot has held up pretty well, and Kerri is just as consistent and agreeable as ever.  Chris’s initial enthusiasm for group running has faded, but he assures me that he is running at home and looking forward to upcoming races.  By now we’ve been running together for a few months and we’ve developed certain routines, relationships, and behaviors that can only accrue over time.  This makes me very happy, because as an extremely structured and slightly OCD person with a strong aversion to surprises, I thrive on comfortable routines.  If you remember back a few months ago, I had a tough time adjusting to a “group run” because I liked my solo routine.  Now I can’t imagine running without the usual suspects during the week.

                Todd had enough sense to realize my sensitivity towards our cozy little club, so last week he started gently planting the idea that a new recruit might start running with us.  He mentioned this so casually, saying more than likely she wouldn’t show up anyways, but the offer was open.  Todd is the exact opposite of me.  Where I thrive on the comfortable sameness, he thrives on excitement and changes.  I immediately felt threatened by this announcement and I’ve been dreading the day the new recruit shows up.  As it turns out, today was the day.

                Right on time, the new recruit showed up to the locker room.  While we waited for her, I turned to Todd with my mouth wide open.  Really Todd?  A supermodel?  Was it really necessary to recruit a yoga-instructor-blond-bombshell into our running club?  You couldn’t have recruited one of the GQ-looking-perfectly-sculpted men from Marketing for me?  As my one passive aggressive tactic, I made Todd and Jaimee promise me and swear on their spandex that they would not tell Miss Perfect about my running blog.  As much as I disliked the change up in our running group, I at least had to acknowledge the benefit of it in terms of new blog material.  I had a feeling I would be exploiting it to the fullest.  Sure enough, moments later she emerged from the locker room looking perky and perfect in her pink running outfit and shiny shoes.

                We hit the pavement for our 3.5 mile route, and Pinky casually mentioned that she hadn’t run in 8 months but she’d try to keep up as best as she could.  At that point I actually felt a little bad for her, since a 3.5 mile run is a pretty aggressive running debut.  Against my nature, I ran with her for a while and gave her some insight (such as, don’t bother trying to keep up with Todd).  We chatted for a while, and after about a half a mile I realized she was no threat, no enemy, and dare I say even a breath of fresh pink air into our running club.  She slowed down to a walk for a while, and Todd checked in with her to make sure she could get back to the building ok.  (Even I’m not mean enough to drag someone down the street and make them get lost for hours on their lunch break, get locked out of the secret back door entrance, and lose their job).  (Although, now I will keep that tactic in mind).  

                Jaimee and I continued on, and as Todd was catching back up to us we were discussing Jaimee’s recent 10 mile race in which she had to pee the whole time and couldn’t find a discreet enough location on the  course, so with no other choice she just chugged along and held it in as best she could.  (Since this is not Jaimee’s blog, and Jaimee does read this blog, I will forgo any additional pee-related detail of this story).  It did remind me though how just before the run I had eaten a banana and Todd commented on how our runs are entertaining because it’s a constant question of whether I will be puking myself or pooping myself.  (For the record, I have not once puked, pooped, or peed myself while running.  Yet.)  Then I got to thinking, if Todd had a blog (which he does) about running (which he doesn’t), here’s what my guess is he would have included in today’s blog:

·         Recruited a new hot babe.  Sweet!

·         I wonder if there will be a girl fight.  Sweet!

·         The new hot babe is slowing down and feeling vulnerable.  I’ll swoop in like the gentleman and slowly usher her back to the building.

·         Jaimee and I have a standing bet on Jill’s stomach (puke versus poop).  The kitty is getting pretty high, maybe that pre-run banana will be my golden egg

·         What I wouldn’t give to be in that locker room

By the time we reached the building, Pinky was out of sight but Todd went back for her.  She really seemed to enjoy the run and wasn’t discouraged at being left behind.  She actually was very fun to talk to, with a bubbly personality to match her pink sweatshirt and I admit it would be fun having her join us again.  Maybe one of these days if she sticks with it, I’ll even tell her about my silly little blog.  When that day comes, I can only hope someone will remind me to delete this post first! J

Pain, Pain Go Away

As I sit here bundled up in a blanket, foot elevated and wrapped in ice, I reflect on the last few days’ events.  Contrary to what I may have implied in prior posts, I’m not actually a super human runner.  I am in fact, mediocre at best and – if we’re being honest – a bit of a wimp.

Last Wednesday Chris became a newest addition to our running group at work.  Just having completed his first 5k, he wanted to ride the momentum.  We promised to take it easy on him, but we 5-day-a-week runners have different interpretations of “easy”.  The route, I told Chris, was 3 easy miles.  (After which I found out it was actually 3.5 – bonus!)  We started off as a group, and eventually throughout the course we started to spread out.  I glanced behind me and noticed Chris falling farther and farther behind.  I slowed down for him to catch up, and realized he was walking.  Not wanting to abandon him, I kept pace with him, walking and jogging all the way back to the building.  To me, the pace didn’t matter.  I was just happy to get the miles in.  I remember when I first started running with Kerri, and she was so patient with me, stopping every quarter mile so I could catch my breath.  Now Chris was the one that needed the support to avoid getting discouraged, and I was happy to pitch in.  Ironically, today was the day my friend Brian decided he wanted to make his return to running.  He’s been out of the serious running scene for about a decade or so, but wanted to break out of his rut with a one mile debut run on the treadmill.  So, being the supportive running friend that I am, I brought him to my gym after work.  He made it just under a mile while I did another 1.25.  I officially did my charity work for the day.

Thursday Kerri, Todd and I made plans to run at lunch, but at the last minute Kerri was nowhere to be found, so Todd and I ran alone.  We maintained a slow, consistent pace, and Todd repeatedly chirped how he was enjoying this nice casual pace.  Maybe if he repeated it long enough he would start to believe it.  We enjoyed the run, although I mentioned that my foot was starting to bother me.  I would have to really take it easy on the way back.  As we approached the final mile, we spotted Kerri, who was also heading back from a shorter route.  We maintained our “slow, consistent, perfectly enjoyable” pace while Kerri trotted ahead, about a quarter mile up the road.  Finally I turned to Todd and with my head I motioned towards Kerri.  I said, “Todd… look, BUNNY!”  That was the cue.  Todd and I both went into overdrive and sprinted up the hill like greyhounds chasing a rabbit.  I briefly wondered what the commuters passing us were thinking as we charged up the road, and a quick glance of my watch showed we were clocking an impressive 6:20 pace.  By the time we reached Kerri I had to pray to the stomach gods to keep my breakfast from doing its own uphill sprint.  Despite the nausea and the soreness flaring up in my foot, I had to admit it felt liberating running full tilt up the hill.  For that brief moment I tossed out any concerns of maintaining the pre-determined pace, the foot pain, the oncoming traffic, the responsibilities waiting for me back at my desk.  For that brief quarter mile, I got to be a kid again.

That’s where I should end this fairy tale, wild hair flying through the wind as I charged with reckless abandon in the final stretch of my lunch time course.  I wouldn’t mention how, an hour after my run when I left my desk to grab some water, I could barely put weight down on my left foot.  I hobbled around trying to pinpoint the pain and analyze the extent of the injury.  Was this just a pain that would resolve itself, or could it be a show stopper?  Most importantly, would next month’s half marathon be in jeopardy?  The obvious answer was that I would have to wait and see, with an open-ended prescription of “rest”.

The problem with self-prescribing rest is that I also like to perform pain diagnostic tests repeatedly during the rest process.  I am constantly testing and re-testing to see if, by any chance, the pain miraculously disappeared.  About a month ago when my foot had a similar pain, I got out of bed every hour all night long to measure the current pain status.  For the last two days I’ve been catching myself doing those little pain tests and forcing myself to just…“rest”.  After two days of rest, I had to lace up my sneakers and at least test out the foot.  It was feeling a little better, and the thought of taking more than two days off of running, and facing a potentially a serious setback with my training, was just too daunting.  I decided to go to the gym so that I would be on a controlled treadmill and not have to worry about being sidelined miles from home. 

For a Sunday afternoon, the gym was noticeably busier than in weeks past.  Indeed, it appears the newly resolute have come to work off their holiday indulgences.  I wondered how many of these people I would see a month from now.  I chose a treadmill near the end of the row, with a good view of the weightlifters.   I cautiously started up the treadmill and gingerly took my first few steps.  Everything hurt.   My foot, knees, ankles, and back all protested the sudden movement.  Apparently they didn’t like being dragged back from their vacation so quickly.  After a half mile and some slight modifications to my footfalls, I got into a good groove and completed a smooth 4.5 miles. 

The pain wasn’t gone, but it wasn’t worse either.  Maybe as a middle aged runner, that’s all I can ask for.  Only time will tell how my foot responds to today’s activities, and with any luck I’ll be out pounding pavement again tomorrow with the gang.  But just to be safe, I think I’ll be packing an extra ice pack in my bag. J