Boston

This piece is exactly why what happened in Boston is so heartbreaking.

Running has become a safe place for me. It's more than a workout. It's a way to work through demons. To find a little peace. When that safety gets violated, I get mad.

But I'm not special. I think almost every runner would tell you they feel the same way about running. And they'd tell you that they'd keep running, no matter what.

But what really upsets me? That spectators were injured and killed. If there's something crazy about running just for the hell of it, there's something even crazier about watching a race. At least the runners stay warm, burn some calories, and earn bragging rights. Why would anyone stand around in the heat, cold, rain or blistering sun for hours, just waiting for a loved one to run by? Why would someone cheer on a complete stranger? Why would someone hand out food, water, blankets and hugs to a sweaty, delirious runner they've never met, and will never see again? Like the Jezebel piece says, if you want to find your faith in humanity, don't look at the runners. Look at the spectators, the volunteers, the friends and family waiting at the finish line.

I've never run a marathon, but I hope to run the Big Sur Half Marathon some day. But even in short races, knowing someone's waiting for me at the end makes the all the difference. Everyone who's shown up to support a runner, and all the smiling, cheering people in between who have handed out water, cheered strangers on, and picked up all of those empty cups -- they're the special ones.

April 1-7

Today's weight: 182.4 pounds.

Workouts:
Monday: Ran 2 miles
Tuesday: 5K on elliptical, abs/core
Wednesday: Walked 3.5 miles
Thursday: Spin for 1 hour, abs/core
Friday: Off
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Chased a dog around for three hours

I feel like Sunday should count as a workout. I've had the blues since the weather got nice and I haven't been able to run. I'm seeing the results of a three-day junk food bender and no real running for almost two weeks. I sat down today and planned some meals, and went grocery shopping after work. I'm taking this week off from running, walking the 5K I signed up for next weekend, and starting running after that. There's just nothing else that compares. There's not enough spin classes, and the pool hours don't work with my schedule. And nothing beats running outside in sun and fresh air. 

March 25-31

Today's weight: 177.0 pounds.

Workouts:
Monday: Weights (upper body) for 45 minutes
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: Cross-trained (stairs, elliptical) for 45 minutes
Thursday: Off
Friday: Off
Saturday: Walked 3.5 miles
Sunday: Off

Last week was very, very busy. Besides work, I: read two books for class, wrote a paper, went to class, saw one of my favorite musicians play a show, went to a library book sale, made a very elaborate cake from scratch for my dad, spent the day in Chicago for my Dad's birthday, and spent the day with my family for Easter. I don't feel so bad that I didn't work out much. I needed the rest. It was good to spend time with loved ones. I am very, very lucky to have them. I am humbled by their love.

My leg was feeling so good today that I went for a (very short, very slow) run outside. It was my first run outside this year that wasn't in the rain and fog. It felt excellent. It also made me realize my leg was not healed. So, back to taking it easy for the week. This was a good start, though. And this week won't be nearly as busy as last week, which means more sleep, and more workouts.