Pushing Up

So, I haven't run since Sunday. I'm being a bit lazy, battling the morning darkness and generally just lounging around right now. I did take the opportunity today, however, to do my push-up test for the 100 Push-ups Challenge. I did 14 of them -- not great but not bad, so that will be my baseline. Friday I'll start the regimen. I'll run tomorrow -- I'm feeling the itch.

Here's info on the Jolly Jaunt that I mentioned in a comment yesterday, if anybody is interested. It takes place Saturday 6 December, 2008 at Boston Common. The distance is 5K and it benefits Special Olympics. It might be a good thing to shoot for, keep us training through the fall. I'm going to sign up. From the look of the picture on their site it's not going to be a PR 5K -- it's pretty crowded.

Finally, I have set a new goal for myself for 2009, but I'm going to try implement/finish it this year. While writing yesterday's post I realized that I've competed in at least one event each month since May of this year: Vermont City Marathon (26.2 miles May), Squirrel Run & Boston Chase Corporate Challenge (5 miles & 3 miles respectively, June), Hometown 4th of July RR ( 5K July), Falmouth RR ( 7 miles, Aug.), Hale Triathlon (Sept.), Cape Cod Marathon Relay (6 miles, Oct.). So, I'll do the Jolly Jaunt in December, and hopefully a Turkey Trot in November. Not bad, and many of these races could easily become events on my calendar so that makes it easier to run and plan.

Running = Running.

So, I finally got out on the road today after a 10 day haitus. Sure, during that time off I did a couple of extreme (read: scary, but cool) hikes in the Alta, UT backcountry, a skate-skiing jaunt, and lots of skiing at altitude, but none of those things are running. And today, I felt what that means.

(I should also mention that I spent 4 days in Vegas. I had one final redeeming Alta day after Vegas and before returning home, and I did my best to "knock the Vegas out of me," but I think Vegas damage stays with you.)

What I learned is that although cross-training activities will keep you fit during off-days/weeks/months, they really are no substitute for running. I eaked out 33 minutes today, and none of it was fun. I checked my watch way too often. I didn't add on an extra loop. It wasn't that I was in pain or fatigued, I was just out of it. It was an interesting observation to me -- Despite keeping (mostly) keeping up with on the exercise front, I lost an edge on the mental side of running.

Who knew you had to exercise your mind to run well?