Top 5 reasons I prefer running in the early AM's:
5. It's Done! Now I can get on with my day.
4. Fantastic SW Sunrises.
3. Gives me a reason to wake up and laugh at MSNBC's Morning Joe pre-run. Notice I said laugh at, not with.
2. Less chance local traffic will want to hit me/run me over.
1. See #5 again; plus always an excellent excuse when I fall asleep around 8:30 PM. "Oh sorry, can't do that tonight I am falling ... Zzzzz...zzzz.. .
Yeah, it is back! My happy early AM runs. First one this morning in 2 months? - I think? Well, anyway, I am glad it is back. I could've started last week with AM temps actually near 50. Yet, last week was, well, last week. A very busy early AM week for my beautiful, talented and lovely wife. Which is overall maybe the true #1 reason I like this time to run.
For example this AM, a nice yet very fast 10K. It had to be fast because running this early means I am up against the clock - literally. It forces me to run faster and stay on pace. You see I have this problem running at times. Especially, at night. Drifting Mind Syndrome, or Zonehead. Usually hits about 3 miles into any run of any distance - well any distance beyond 3 miles or more. Weekday AM's my wifes' realworld begins well before mine. So, I HAVE to be home for a game of Parent Tag.
"Tag! you're it! love ya, thanks for making my lunch before your run, and the kids are all yours."
Then it is getting four kids ready for their own realworld. Breakfast, showers, clothes on, brush teeth and hairs, get shoes on, get all the homework in the backpacks, get the jackets on (this one lasting only three more weeks here in Vegas), backpacks on, out the door, in the Suburban, fight over who sits where, fight mediated, and then we are OFF!
So, I have plenty of inspiration to make an AM 10K not just a run - but a 10K Dash. Yes, I can leave earlier for the runs, and I do. Yet, I time out the length of each runs pace to arrive home at just the right time each AM. So, obviously if it was 12 mile run I would double the length needed. Leaving with just the right amount time to get me home for another game of Parent Tag. Oh, not to mention all the sweaty good morning hugs to my wife and kids. Purposeful running times keeps Zonehead away.
First Soccer practices this week all went well. It will be fun playing and teaching with 6, four-five year olds who have never played before on my little boys team. Along with the really fun, smart, athletic new girls on my daughters team. Yes! they have speed! Last season I had size, but zippo speed. This season most of the height is gone, except one. All replaced with speedy kickers. In Soccer, like most team sports - Speed Kills! Very hard to defend it and play against it. Plus, they all seem to come from really good families as well. Should be a fun season.
Slice of Slomo Happiness:
1. Parent Tag and my wifes smiling eyes.
2. Eating out with my kids. They always steal the hearts of every server we have.
3. AM runs into a breathtakingly beautiful SW desert Sunrise.
4. Not shoveling snow this AM, or any AM. Sorry Midwest, Rocky Mt, and NE readers.
5. Shelleyan Orphan, Michael Nyman, Chris Issak, Swing Out Sister, Kitchens of Distinction, and Glenn Jones (The former Running Fat Guy) quoting Adam Ant in his comment.
6. Happy Trails, Meg Runs, Colorado Runner, Jills Blog, Shut Up and Run, Running Fat Guy, Jennifers Blog, Rundangerously, rocksNroots, Puddlethumper, Jerbear Shares, Minnesota Miles, RBR and all the other blogs I follow regularly.
7. Fun Friday.
8. Milkshake from Culvers (only found in a few states in the Midwest).
9. My youngest using his wood building blocks.
10. Architecture.
6 comments:
Happy Friday Slomo,
Perhaps in late March or early April I could be tempted to get up earlier and go on a few morning runs:) I am glad that the weather is good for your morning runs...I not jealous or anything:)
You have got to stop talking about flipping shakes from Culvers....OMG, now I want one:) Have a fantastic weekend Slomo!!
oh man, I LOVE running in the morning. It's such a great feeling to get it done first thing in the morning. I can't wait until the spring so I can get back into it. Have a great weekend. :D
I need to run in the morning but it's so hard because I also like to sleep! Sounds like you're more productive and focused which is great. Keep up the nice,early runs. I'm happy you have some speedy ladybugs on your team but I suppose you have a new name for this team...??? Do share! I hope you have a nice weekend, is it going to start getting warm there soon???
Hey - I had to shovel 6 inches off the drive and sidewalk this morning!! Rubbing it in? Glad you are getting some AM runs in again - we're definitely morning runners too! And the Culvers shakes are endorsed by Slomo? May have to try one next time we have a burger there. Have a great weekend.
BTW, supremely privileged to be on the Slomo Slice of Happiness!!!!
Ha ha! Parent tag is one of the reasons I don't run in the AM. I help get my son out the door, and if there's one thing I really dislike, it's havng to hurry myself. I always feel like I'm going to miss something or skip something. Plus, I use my evening runs as therapy to unwind from sme pretty stressful days.
I love your #5. There is nothing like getting up early and getting in a great workout and knowing you have the rest of the day! What a feeling! I like that you all have been having great weather (and no snow shoveling for you!)
I feel so special that I made the Slomo Slice of Happiness! That rocks. Thanks Slomo. I really enjoy reading your blog too.
Post a Comment