Road Find

This week I ran 70 miles and feel ever the worse for wear for having done so.  On Sunday and Wednesday I ran 21 miles from my house to DeKoevend Park and back.  I made my way there via the open space trail, Broadway, the C-470 bike path and the Highline Canal path.  There is a water fountain at about mile 4 (and 17) and one where I turn around at the softball fields in DeKoevend.  I had a Gu Energy Gel at the halfway point and two Gu Chomps at mile 17.  That was the extent of my hydration and calories for the 21 miles.

On Saturday I ran 15 miles with Tim, Tom and Ken at the Goodson Recreation Center.  I pre-ran five miles for a solid 20 mile outing.  It was great to see the guys and get caught up.  Tom is recovering from breaking two toes and a couple of ribs doing some un-running related activities.  Ken’s hamstring is healed and he is running well.  Tim is in fine form for this part of the race season.

There was an article about Progression Runs in the latest Competitor magazine.  The article was written by Brad Hudson, a former 2:13 marathoner.  The gist of the article is that it is possible to boost your fitness by picking up the pace of your runs as you get closer to the end.  This is exactly how I ran the 20 miles.  I averaged 7:40 / mile for the five miles I ran before meeting the boys.  The last three miles were run at 7:00, 6:50 and 6:30 per mile.

On one of those runs this week I found a craftsman ¾ inch combination box / open end wrench.  Someone is going to miss that tool.  Several years ago I found a small set of Husky wrenches.  I have found several gloves; twice I found a matched pair.  In all the years of running I think I have found a total of five dollars in change.  The banner day was when I found two crumpled one dollar bills rolling along Daniels Park Road. 

Last winter I set out for a run on a pleasant day with the temperature about 45 degrees.  It was so pleasant, I ran in shorts and a long sleeve T-shirt.  A storm quickly blew in and the temperature dropped about 15 degrees.  I was grateful for the two gloves I found that day. 

I have found much more as I have made my way along these roads and paths.  As an athlete, I have gone through many transitions.  These changes have paralleled the larger developments I have experienced in my life.  I have tried to run faster.  I have tried to run harder.  Now I am learning to accept myself and my limitations.  When I run with friends, I get a glimpse at the true joy and meaning of running.  I am learning that winners are not always those who cross the finish line first, but rather those who are able to discover more about themselves with every step.