On my today’s 15k run I dedicated km6 to a friend who has injured his leg running on one of those treacherous snowy days that make running in the winter months so precarious.
I sincerely wish him a speedy and full recovery!
Vicarious Running
Tag Archives: run
Vicarious Running
On my today’s 15k run I dedicated km6 to a friend who has injured his leg running on one of those treacherous snowy days that make running in the winter months so precarious.
I sincerely wish him a speedy and full recovery!
Another Cold Run
Tuesday, 29th December called me for another run in the cold. I don’t mind cold runs as long as I got my exercise-induced asthma under control which unfortunately I have to admit is easier away from my cats (I only learned I have a cat allergy when I already had cats).
The surroundings were eerily beautiful in their white snow cover and today I did not meet one soul outside of the shelter of their heated cars.
When I passed a seemingly forlorn hamlet I saw a sign warning me to beware of the dog – which according to the picture had to be massive. I felt utterly grateful to not have met that beast in person.
A little after the hamlet back in the woods my eyes caught a slight glimpse of something that attracted my attention and when stepping closer I realized it was a bunch of white crosses in the middle of the woods surrounded by a white snow blanket. That definitely gave me the creeps and I sprinted for a little while, remembering the pretty little cottage with the birch alley I spotted earlier on in the run. Just keeping my mind busy and getting as much distance between the cemetery and me.
Sometimes if you’re not quite in the mood for a fast workout life hands it to you anyway.
Run Through the Woods
A happy run is an important ingredient of every good, restoring vacation. Be it in a new city, by the beach or in the woods as was the case here.
I was going for an easy 5-6k but ended up doing 9k owing to a missed fork in the path which send me on a 2.5k extra loop.
Apart from the fact that dawn was drawing in which makes every single forest a somewhat mystic and even slightly creepy place to be I didn’t mind in the least as the running was going smooth and easy and I had a general feeling of peacefulness and content.
Pure outdoors bliss!
Scare
When returning from my run yesterday afternoon I got a really bad scare as my neighbor called me with the news that another neighbor across the street called him with bad news: She had a dead kitty in the garden and she was afraid it might be Elvis, one of the kitties who have chosen me as their guardian. I took the news pretty stoically as I tend to but decided to walk up to Elvis favorite place, the chicken coop to gather my thoughts and brace myself for the possible blow. And who was there, happily chilling away in the sun with the chickens??!? Elvis!!! I was so happy and relieved I just broke down and cried and cuddled both Elvis and JB, his brother who had followed me up to the chickens from home. Then I sent my neighbor a photo and called him and we sniffled some sniffles of relieve together. We’re so happy to have our fosterlings safe and sound.
Still, my heart is aching for the family who actually lost their kitty today – so very sad. May the little tiger race the meadows of eternity with his furry friends.
Sofa Sunday
This weekend we got a first taste of the approaching fall – it rained incessantly for two days straight. What better to do than spending some time on the sofa, drinking tea, reading or watching a good movie.
When I’m lounging on the sofa I’m seldom alone these days as Elvis’ favorite spot to cuddle up is on a throw on the couch.
But I didn’t spend all my weekend hours inside. I also got myself out into the rain for a run twice. On Sunday for a 90min run which Nike Running Global Head Coach Bennett made bearable by saying the right things at the right time.
While out on the long run I saw a field mouse crossing the road in the torrential rain and once on the other side it had troubles getting onto the sidewalk so I helped it up and into the wide field away from the gushing waters pouring down the sidewalk. It quickly snuck underneath some clovers and seemed content enough.
Though the weather was quite awful to be outside in without a good umbrella, I still enjoyed the run and the feeling of badassery I carried throughout it and into the rest of the day.
Critters
Saw these guys while out running the other day. No, it’s not a kangaroo and a wolf, that’s just my artistic talent failing me. They were two gorgeous young foxes racing across the field towards the forest.
Retirement and Promotion
On my 35k run last weekend I run one of my older running shoes into the ground (I felt like the ball of my foot and my big toe were running naked on the pavement) so it was time for some new ones. With the shops closed I had to fall back on my trusty brand that always works so I could order them online.
Now it’s one retired pair and two newly promoted pairs of running shoes in the app.
Thank you to my trusty retired shoes for their fantastic duty, you served me well and offered me many an inspiring hour outside under the blue, gray, wet, hot, cold… skies.
Achievements
In school I wasn’t a big fan of running unless there was a ball involved or some other higher goal than simply running around involved.
Then, almost 20 years ago, when traveling around the world my friend declared in Australia that we’s go and buy ourselves some proper running shoes as otherwise our beer consume might turn us into proper barrels. And that’s when my running career started. Thanks to my friend back then who made me puff and swear along Bondi beach.
Over that last three years one of my very dearest friends introduced me to another long loathed category, the races. I’ve completed between 20-30 races a year over the last 3 years. Never ever thought that would happen.
And the third big thing I always denied would ever happen came to pass this year when I thought I might have to step in for mentioned dear friend and actually started training for a marathon. It’s not that I ever doubted that I could do it if I properly trained, what hindered me was my other hobbies and interests. Since I’m a slow runner it takes me well over 2h to do a 20k training run. I don’t mind, my body doesn’t mind but after 2h I do start thinking “well, what else could I do now… this running around stiff is getting lame…”.
Well, enter 2020 and watch me while away a 4h run – my very first 35k ever!! And might very well be my last. That’s why I thought this was reason to celebrate – congrats to me for this huge achievement!!
Pit Stop
Sometimes if you go on a long run int the morning after a huge cup of coffee there’s a danger of that coffee washing water out of the body that wants out. And the most obvious way – before you start sweating enough – is out of your bladder. So yes, I had to pee on my run lately and there wasn’t a very suitable spot along the way. But since it was still relatively early and no one was to be seen I decided to risk just hiding between some trees as I would certainly see approaching hikers and joggers on time. I didn’t consider the bikers though and their increased speed in comparison to people afoot. Well, and that’s how I met a lovely couple who was all charming about it and gave me a wave that I happily returned.
Good thing I don’t embarrass easily…
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