Saturday, December 21, 2013

Runner's Rambles: PSA for non-runners and runners alike.

I always try to be cautious when I am out for a run, and starting this streak has put me outdoors for more runs this winter than I would normally be willing to endure. Winter is generally cold and dark and gross, except for today which was 60 degrees in Philadelphia and coincidentally the first day of winter. Knowing that it was going to be warm today, I waited till I got home from work this evening to run.

I live on the corner of a very busy intersection, and it only took that first step out into the road to get my gears grinding tonight! I ran past a line of cars stopped at the stoplight, and the light turned green and the walk sign lit up just as I got to the curb, so I glanced over my shoulder at the cars, and trotted out when I saw it was clear. THEN a car pulled out and layed on the horn because I was presumably in the way. It is a good thing that I was raised as a kind Midwestern girl because I kept both middle fingers tucked out of sight instead of throwing up the double barrels, as I might have if I had actually been raised in Philadelphia, rather than Kansas City.

I was wearing reflective gear, a flashing light, only one earbud, and I crossed when it was my turn. I did not at all appreciate the treatment that I got from this person, and though it may have sparked a great 5k time for me tonight, I would much rather it hadn't been achieved in such a manner. I hope that all runners will follow safety precautions to keep both motorists and runners safe. Wear lights, reflective gear, and an ID band. Use sidewalks anytime they are available! When you have to run on the road, be sure to stay to the side, and run facing traffic to watch for motorists who may not see you. Make sure someone knows roughly where you're going and how long you expect to be gone, and ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings.

Motorists, please take a second to see that runners are people, not merely an inconvenience. I do my best to always stay out of the way, and I have just as much of a right to enjoy my neighborhood on a run as you do to drive down the road. Know that runners are not purposely trying to mess up your morning or evening by making you wait an extra couple seconds at a stop sign as we cross the road. We are just trying to live happy, healthy lives! Personally, I always try to muster the least painful expression I can manage, coupled with a wave when a car passes, and it wouldn't hurt to wave or smile back at me! But honking is often unnecessary, and hitting me would most likely hurt, so just be aware that there are runners in all seasons, and in general, we try to stay out of your way as much as possible! I am just asking for a little human courtesy!

This ramble was brought to you by Run Streak Day 11.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

I'M GOING STREAKING!

I know what you're thinking... She hasn't posted in forever! She must not be doing anything!... Well, you'd pretty much be right! I have only run a couple times since finishing the Philadelphia Marathon. I kept justifying my time off at first, but then I finally fessed up that it is has gotten out of control. And that is why I've decided that I'm going STREAKING! I mentioned to a co-worker that I was thinking of streaking, and he admitted that he had been thinking the same thing. He talked to our boss, and now he is getting a streaking contest organized at work.

And so it begins!
I thought about starting streaking when the Runner's World Streak started. They do a streak every year from Thanksgiving till Christmas. Well, I was still in denial at that point. I thought about it more and more, and then one of the women from the running group at our store was talking about how she is on day 700! I started thinking about it a little more seriously when I heard that because it just seemed fun. So if you haven't picked up yet, streaking is simply seeing how many days in a row you can run. You have to run at least a mile every day, and it can be inside or outside, but you just have to do at least one mile.

Now, of course, I hate running in the winter. I would gladly move to a place with no "winter" season in a heartbeat, but that just isn't in the cards. So my first goal for this winter was to run outside at least one day a week. After running today, I think I will be able to manage that no problem. I know winter just started, but I got a new windbreaker layer that I love, and I wore trail shoes and some Smartwool socks, and I was golden! Granted, I only ran a mile today, but it felt pretty good, and I know that I can hit ye olde dreadmill if I need to.
At least winter scenery is nice!

I know that one day does not a streak make, but I figured that getting into a routine before we start our friendly contest will hopefully ensure that I don't quit on day two! I also figured that putting it up here for some accountability would probably be good insurance for my streak. So bother me about it! And for the last piece of news, which is basically not actually news at this point, I signed up for the TCS NYC Marathon Lottery. And I did this fun little thing where I estimated a finish time two hours faster than my current time, but my current time isn't an accurate portrayal of what I think I can do, and I signed up for it due to peer pressure at work, and I want to be in the same wave start if I get in! Here's to hoping...and streaking!