Tuesday, December 28, 2010

So it began...or begins

I went to law school because I hate numbers. And yet, I obsess about numbers when it comes to running. Perhaps I went to law school because, as my college calculus professor once told me, "Son, there are three types of mathematicians: those who can add and those who cannot. Can you figure out where you belong?"

That said, I should also tell you that I have yet to sit down and plan my marathon training plan for Boston. I know, I'm a slacker. What this means is that, for some reason, I failed to start my marathon training on time. Instead of diligently beginning week one last week, I did my first few runs in about a month last week...and then I realized I was a week behind. When the Redhead shared her fear about this, I double and triple checked my calendar and hung my head in shame.

Therefore, somewhat panicked, I diligently began week two of training on Monday. And that meant that I, unlike last year, did my track workout by going to MSU's Jenison Field House. Hummm....

If you think running on a track sucks. Then just try to imagine how much it sucks to run on a track half as small and in an environment so dry your lungs feel like they are inhaling fire on your warm-up laps. But, after my Boston failure last year, I'm going to stick it out no matter what. And so I did.

The mini-track had about a dozen of the MSU's Men's Track team partaking in an unofficial practice. Yep, shirtless studs with six-packs popping were also laping me around the track. It was great because it was meat-tastic and because it only served to offend my pride to force me to run faster.

Then, last night I decided to sit down and write out my schedule. Which is when, looking at a calendar and not in a panic, I realized that I was actually in my first week of marathon training. Counting sucks.

A few pictures of the mini-track below:



8 comments:

Kandi said...

Too funny.
I minored in Math but still struggle with basic addition sometimes (balancing a checkbook anyone?).
Good luck with your Boston training!

Harold said...

I ran 5 miles on a cruise ship track. Yeah, .1 per lap. Talk about mind numbing! At least there were hot chicks in bikinis to oogle at.

Sun Runner said...

I seem to recall a similar situation last year about this time, only back then I, too, was not starting my Boston training when I should. I dragged my feet for a few more weeks until finally kicking my butt into gear.

Can I just say how happy I am NOT to have a spring marathon this year??

Jordan said...

I know what you mean, I think I've checked the calendar, counted and recounted every week for the past month. Ha

Unknown said...

OK, I will no longer complain about it being cold in Florida....
When I was on Semester at Sea in 1999 I ran my workouts on a deck of the ship where it was only possible to run a half circle before turning around and going back. I think it was something like 34 laps equaled one mile. With the rotation of the ship (smaller than a cruise ship) it was a hell of a hill workout and great ocean air to breath!

Running and living said...

Hey, at least you've got a track! I considered shoveling the track today, but immediately changed my mind and searched for a .25 piece of clear asphalt to do my repeats. It so happened that it had a couple of hills on, just my luck!
Good luck with training. Boston is a bitch, and I am taking the year off from in:)

The Boring Runner said...

Mmmmmmmmm, meat tastic runs. wait - what?

111001000111110000. That was my attempt at a binary math joke. Hilarious right?

Nitmos said...

It's not so bad out. You can get a few of those runs outdoors rather than...this.