Monday, September 22, 2008

Casual Sex!

Nah! Just trying to get your attention!

What is the big news? A mere three weeks to the Chicago Marathon! I finished the last of the long runs (22 miles) Saturday morning. If you would have told me just a few months ago that I would, that I could, run that far, that hard, that willingly! I would never have believed you. I would probably have laughed.

Now I enter my taper phase that will end with the event. There are some longer runs (12 miles, 8 miles) that will keep me busy, but I am ready to run a marathon!

- - - - -
As I ran Saturday morning, I ran up to one young lady. I said "Hi" to her as I passed.

“I’m running 21 miles today!” she said.

“Hal Higby?” I answered.

“Yes,” she said.

“I’m running 22 today. I’m running the Chicago Marathon!” Was my answer.

“So am I, “ she said.

I slowed down and ran alongside her.

“Have you received your confirmation e-mail yet?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied, “I almost cried. It is definitely going to happen now!”

“I agree!”

She asked me if I was going to join a Nike Pace Team. I told her I was planning on the 5:15 group. 5:30 is the one she was interested in.

“Cool! Good luck on your run!” I told her. I winked at her and told her to wave if she sees me there!

Small world, all things considered!
- - - - - -

Saturday's run took 4 1/2 hours. I am not fast, but I know that I can do it now!

Now to finish up… Total last week, I ran 52.19 miles.

- - - - - -
Ending it!

The above picture is for my friend, the Jade Lady!

16 Comments:

Blogger Alberto said...

What passes in your mind during a 4 h run? Did you listen to music? 22 miles is indeed a very long distance!

12:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know, can you believe our marathons are so close! I can't wait for it. Sounds like you are confident and running strong. A great combination to have heading in.

5:52 AM  
Blogger Susan said...

YES! You are sooooo ready! And how funny to find a similarly-paced stranger right in your own backyard. Cool!

7:08 AM  
Blogger Petraruns said...

How great is that - that you met someone else running it while out on your long run? Cool. And well done on 22 miles - the real thing will be a piece of cake now! We're so nearly there - can't wait to meet you!

11:13 AM  
Blogger Jade Lady said...

I felt the same way when I started training for a marathon! Great job on the 22m!

Ah, taper time...my favorite.

And, LOVE THE photo! Too cute for her own good. Thanks for posting it.

5:12 PM  
Blogger Sunshine said...

What fun to just happen upon a conversation with the runner also going to Chicago!!

Yes, you certainly are going to finish. You trained; You will do it!!

Thanks for the comment. Much overdue bathroom remodeling.. by Don and a carpenter (who happens to also be a runner) is swallowing up a lot of hours.

Don will do the Twin Cities Marathon and Sweet Pea and I will do the 10 mile when you are in Chicago.

6:30 PM  
Blogger Sunshine said...

Oh PS:
What a beautiful CAT!!!

6:31 PM  
Blogger mrjwhit~ said...

Thanks for the great blog and updates. You're going to do so well in Chicago.

7:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All the best and have a good run in Chicago. Always good to see a 'masters runner'

3:22 PM  
Blogger peter said...

Your training has gone great Charlie. But uh, just because you got your confirming e-mail doesn't mean it's definitely going to happen now, sez us jaded fun runners from last year.

3:15 PM  
Blogger Sunshine said...

Jaded.. with good reason, Peter.
The post-race blaming from the race director does not hold much promise... but hopefully, somebody there learned something.
I do join you in wishing Charlie and better experience.

6:23 PM  
Blogger ShirleyPerly said...

Congrats on doing all you can to prepare for the race, Charlie. Yes, Chicago is such a big race that you are bound to find someone else training for it in your neck of the woods. Keeping fingers crossed for all doing the race that the weather will be better than last year.

Enjoy your taper!

6:39 AM  
Blogger G said...

Way to go Charles! In two weeks i start running in the teens of miles. Kind of nervous, but also excited about the idea of going that far.

10:28 AM  
Blogger akshaye said...

Yeah... that heading did get my attention! Seriously small world though. It seems like half of the blogger world is running Chicago. I bet in a few years registration forms will have a field for blog also! Good luck my friend.. the race is almost here.

2:33 PM  
Blogger lizzie lee said...

You are ready... As I have told to others I'll be there cheering for you all... Congrats for completing the training and beginning the taper phase.

8:25 AM  
Blogger nylisa said...

I'm so proud of you Charlie! You definitely have my respect for taking on such a challenge. Enjoy your taper and keep positive during your rest. I will be rooting for you on this side of the sidelines!

6:52 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home