RUN FORREST, RUN... was what I kept muttering under my breath as today's training took a 4 1/2 mile loop around Central Park. That's because I had the brilliant idea that training without music will "prepare" me for the real mental game.
What I discovered was that not too many things run through my head while engaged in physical activity. Some might consider this a great escape - a mental retreat - from having to worry or think. I'm just concerned I don't actually find myself interesting.
JPMorgan was hosting their corporate challenge on the main road, so our little pack started from Columbus Circle, down the bridal path (watch out for poop!) and a couple of loops around the reservoir. Each loop is 1.5 miles plus a mile or so along the bridal path back to Columbus Circle.
The reservoir is a tranquil, scenic route, perfect for meditation. Perfect for one to reflect on how truly they hate themselves. I think it was the boredom that hit first. Just the constant "in through your nose, out through your mouth" sounds I could hear myself make. And how the monotony of each step was broken up by puddle... puddle... dog poop... puddle. I tried focusing on the runner ahead of me, matching strides all the while thinking, "are my legs that much shorter?"
Self-loathing sinks in around mile 3 and I move from humming show tunes to yelling in my brain. What the heck are you doing? God I can't believe I have to do this all summer. I suck. Is everyone ahead of me? I just want to stop. If I stop I can sit on that bench. Just 2 minutes, no one will notice. My calves feels funny. Am I cramping? Ooh ice cream. I wish I could just push ahead of this pack. I'm tired. How much looooonger? Can we all JUST STOP. Don't stop, don't stop, don't stop, don't think.
Ew, was that poop I just stepped in?
Note to self: No Power Bars before runs. Causes erratic breathing (like that of a dying animal), side stitches (equivilant to receiving an internal tatoo) and bad aftertaste (where's that cat?).
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