Double digits!

So this past Saturday, the 31st, we did 10 miles.  I've never done anything near that distance before so I was a little worried.  But with the 3:1 run/walk ratio that we use, I was able to make it and enjoy it at the same time (well, not really enjoy, more like I didn't hate it).  I've started to incorporate the walk breaks into my solo runs during the week and my time has actually improved on those 3.5 mile runs.  I think I should address everything in life in 3-minute increments.

It's interesting to me that some people seem to think that this is easy to do.  Yes, the one minute walk breaks help to preserve energy and provide recovery time during the run, but by no means is it easy.  What's funny is that the people who say to me, "oh that doesn't sound hard," or "I'm sure I could walk a 13 minute mile for 26 miles" are the ones who aren't actually doing anything.  Except talking.  Which is what most people are good at.  I'm not in this to break records.  I'm in this to finish and raise money to fight AIDS.  And I've raised over $5,500 right now.  So for anyone who thinks it's easy, come on out and join me.  And raise some money.  Otherwise, shut the front door!

For this week's run, our usual coach, Scott, was on vacation.  So we had Biff, who was gracious enough to take time off from Death of a Salesman and fill in for him.  Thankfully, he plotted out a nice flat course through the streets of Burbank.  The only drawback was that there was no shade at all but we were fortunate as the sun did not come out until we hit the 8-mile mark so only the last two miles were in a blazing sun.  This was a nice bit of luck that will probably not continue over the rest of the summer. 

Another note about how "easy" this is.  We started with six runners in our group - by the end we were done to three.  Our pace group leader had been having back spasms and gamely tried to work through them but wisely decided to stop.  Another person was having sciatica pain and tried to work through it before she made the correct decision to stop and then Melissa's knee locked up just after the 5-mile mark and she started having intense pain in her knee.  She tried to run through it but we made her stop.  So there were just three of us at the end. 

Anyway, now that I've addressed my pet peeve, let's move onto this weeks' boring video (yes, I brought my camera).  As always, please visit my AIDS Marathon Home Page and donate if you haven't already.  Thanks.

Till next time.  This Saturday we're dropping down to 5 miles.  Wow, should be easy.   Sorry.   My therapist says I need to work on my sarcasm.