The Roses Smelled Great

I just looked up the definition of fartlek. I was hoping it might be the best word to describe today's running effort. It doesn't, but this is how I pretty much felt. 7 mile run this AM. 3.5 miles of it - all uphill. Fairly steep and steady. I have no idea why I did it? I am so spent. I seriously doubt any sane half or full marathon would ever have a hill like this. Especially, one that lasts for THREE and HALF MILES! My calves are really stiff and sore. My head is spinning slightly. My weight went down 3 pounds from when I started and finished. No stopping though. Kept running it as hard and fast as I could in my slomo most rodents could out run me pace. However, even the lightest of mice would not be able to run as far and so high as I did. I will break my vegetarian fast tonight as reward (however, to be honest, I feel I don't really need to eat a Chicken) with some nice Terriyaki Chix, Veggies, Rice and Pot Stickers. We do need rewards in life. I will also take the next few days off. Well, at least tomorrow since it is Father's Day.

The roses were as beautiful as they smelled though. There are two large areas of roses at some road side parks. They are separated by a 1/2 mile or so. Smell hits ya within 4-5 feet of them. It was also great to see Parents running with their kids (Mom and Son especially having fun, and running faster than me), two really tall looking above 6 ft. 5 inch former basketball players blowing past me, and the many folks walking and walking dogs wondering why this very short middle aged man who needs to lose 25 pounds (me) is doing an insane hill run. I just want to say - if you would've only seen me in my 20's! Fit, muscle bound, could knock down 5-6 miles in 45 minutes. Not now of course. However, I refuse to lose as the unofficial slogan for my 1996-99 Seattle Mariners stated. Or, was it you gotta love these guys? Love me anyway? There were no belly dancers this time though (had to see a previous posting). Now that would have been something.

Well, anyway, I need not run that insane route anymore, or for a very long time at least. Maybe 25-30 pounds less from now. Tomorrow as I mentioned is Father's Day. I think I will give myself a day off from life and just enjoy my Wife and Kids.

Oh, I have come across another Running Phenom, Goddess or Rock Star. Turns out she is a UW Husky. Krissy Moehl. She is also from my favorite area of Washington. I also watched another Marathon training doc last night. It was a NOVA one called the Challenge of the Marathon. 6 couch potato's/people were taken by NOVA on 9 month program to finish the Boston Marathon. I am not sure why, but when it comes to running and soccer - I am far more impressed with female athletes than men. Especially when it is a non athletic woman training to do something like this. So, if through this blog you have noticed I seem more interested in women runners than men - don't worry. I love my wife. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. Brilliant and beautiful. I just think in Soccer and Running - women Rock! There were some women in this NOVA Doc that really Rocked. Way to go Betsy and the 60 year old School Teacher.