Friday Fail

Today's run was supposed to be practice for Sunday's Read Run 5K, and I wanted to check out the course, which does one small and one large rectangular loop around the East Side, starting and ending at the library on Putnam Street.

But if Sunday goes anything like today did, I'm screwed.

I went to meet Kellen at the library around 12:30. We are both registered for the race, and he had graciously agreed to join me for the practice course (and I'm guessing will never agree to that again, after my pathetic performance). I haven't run all week, so I already knew I was in for a struggle, but I was looking forward to finally getting out there and moving and also, I hoped having faster company would push me to do well.

The Fail began with poor preparation last night, when I went out first for girl's happy hour with Emmy and Lauren, and later with my beau. It was a great night and a great morning until I attempted to hit the pavement. I got up late and had to eat immediately before leaving, so there was no time to digest the half a bagel I scarfed down with some OJ. Also I didn't drink enough water before going out, which was probably slightly dangerous because it's 73 degrees out.

We started off at a fast pace up Spring Street (a hill) and kept going until I had to walk. We jogged and walked intermittently the whole way because I could not maintain a steady pace in the heat and my breathing was all out of whack. We kept to the sidewalk for awhile, which was hard in places like Nelson Avenue where there are brick paths with edges sticking up everywhere. Otherwise the course is pretty easy and flat, and I think they're closing off the roads for us so the brick sidewalk will be a non-issue.

When we turned onto Caroline Street for the last few paces, I started running as fast as I could to the library. That was the best minute of the whole outing. Those 29 other minutes? Not so much. To top it off, the soreness in my right hip flared up again half-way through. I am worried it will turn from a minor discomfort that's happened once or twice this whole year into something more serious.

I walked home feeling totally discouraged. I want to go out right now and try it again, just to feel like I got a real workout. I am also worried about getting up in time Sunday, because registration closes at 8:30 a.m. and I probably won't get home from work until 3 Saturday night. It's gonna be a stretch.

Hopefully the adrenaline will kick in like it has the last two races, and help me get out of bed. I'm glad the race is in town and I don't have to drive to get there. Also, the weather will surely be cooler at 9 a.m.

I will be sure to drink a lot of water and eat a carbohydrate-rich dinner Saturday night. I'm setting my goal low -- to maintain the 28 minute finish from three weeks ago.

Check back Sunday for results.

P.S.: On a side note, another reason I am pissed off is because the pigeons have once again reclaimed my balcony, and get this: they built another nest and laid another egg. Their feathers have gotten caught in my window screens and their crap has once again covered the floor of the balcony, after I spent two hours scrubbing it off last month. Any hope I had of enjoying the view out there this summer is quickly fading.