Training Bliss

I don't think anyone has ever been as excited to begin training for a marathon on a steamy July night as I was tonight. FINALLY, back in the saddle doing the sport I love. No more muddling through two brand new sports that I suck at while fumbling through made up workouts for the one sport I'm sort of good at.

It was hot, it was humid, I was wearing both a fuel belt AND nothing more than a sports bra and shorts (read: I was doubly self-conscious), and I had the pleasure of running by a bunch of pigheaded movie production crew members not once, but TWICE, each time enduring comments. And I. WORKED. IT.

My cadence was more or less where Vic wanted it to be, my pace was more or less what Vic had planned (even in the oppressive weather), my heart rate was maybe 5-10 beats out of the zone Vic had suggested, and somehow all of this together meant I didn't care how dorky I looked or how sexist the fat guy with the beard was being. I smiled and gave him a his buddies a nod, politely declined his offer of burritos, and decided to appreciate it when he said I was gorgeous. And no, sir, I don't have any hand grenades in my belt, but thanks for asking. Maybe Batman can help you out when he runs by next.

I ended my run and cooled down by walking to the gym, where I resumed the strength training I kind of gave up on doing a week or 2 ago. There, I felt self-conscious and pudgy all over again, but got over it as soon as I heard a girl marveling incredulously to her trainer at the idea of running in this heat/humidity. Then I was able to refocus on my bad-assery and crank out my lift routine.

I'm just hoping tonight is the first of many good workouts on my way to Baystate. I want to enjoy this training season and enjoy my race even more.