Run #25: My Mistake

Before I get started with the details of this run, I must briefly mention a reaction to the Boston marathon bombings.  I’m not an emotional blogger, so I’m not going to get all profound and gushy.  It’s just that this tragedy reminded me that the running community is a global community.  

A class parent said the next day, “Oh Allyn, we thought of you when we heard about the bombing.  Have you ever run in Boston?”  I was amazed that she thought of me when she heard the news, simply because she knew I was a runner.  The running community is not just for marathon runners or regular racers; it includes anyone who’s ever laced up and hit the pavement and everyone that supports them.  I have become, and will always be, a runner.  Even if I never run another full marathon, if I never break two hours in a half, or if I never enter another race, I’ll still be a runner.  As long as I stay connected to the sport as an enthusiast or a friend, I’ll be part of the community.  

The bombings in Boston were l a disgusting display of the darkest side of humanity, but the global running community will persevere and continue being a positive force in the world.  I’m thankful to be a part of it.

*****
An early Saturday morning run typically calls for plenty of hydration and an early bedtime on Friday.  I know these things.  My brain knows these things.  My body definitely knows these things.  But do I listen?  Not always.

This Friday night called for evening cocktails overlooking the Bund and a later dinner with outstanding red wine.  Sometimes being the dutiful wife of the executive isn’t all bad, but it can conflict with my running plan.

Needless to say my alarm at 5:15 was not music to my ears, and my stomach was not ready to process my peanut butter roll-up.  Regardless, my duty as a running partner outweighed my suffering from my own irresponsible behavior and compelled me to get my act together and head out the door.

My run with Heather was beyond interesting.  We desperately tried to find a path along the creek, but failed miserably over and over and over again.  We found markets, apartment complexes, and parking garages, and only a few hundred meters of “water front” running.  We were certainly distracted by all the detours, so time actually passed by quickly, but around 8 miles, when I was really feeling the pain from my Friday night, we were nowhere near a familiar landmark.  Fortunately I had my Shanghai transit card, and thankfully Heather is a forgiving running partner and didn’t hate me for ditching her and hopping in a taxi.

Uff.  What a tough reminder for what I already knew.  I first learned the lesson that “crap in equals crap out” in 2005 when my McDonald’s value meal sank like a brick in my stomach as I ran through Forest Park. I guess this is just confirmation that my body is not the same alcohol-processing machine as my buddy Donna, much as I wish it was.  Conclusion: take care of yourself or suffer the consequences!

The Fine Print
Date: 4/13/13       Time:    6:00 am           Location:  Shanghai, PRC
Time:    1:43:00    Distance:  8.77 mi        Pace:  slow
Music: Running Mix, then chatting with Heather