running with Rudolph

Had a great run last night, on the treadmill at the YMCA. I ran 5 miles, more than I was supposed to run. I've learned that I feel kind of tired and crappy for the first 25 minutes of a run, and then it feels fantastic.

It was easy to run last night because I was completely absorbed in the story of Rudolph, which was playing on the TV. Rudolph is a great running partner. His story of victory over adversity is motivational...

Today there was just a short run on the schedule. Thank goodness, because it is day of wind and rain. I had fun anyway, because Colin gave me a CD of dance music to put on my iPod. I danced my way through the rain.




On the way back I stopped at the US Botanic Garden, which is right next to the Capitol. They have a holiday exhibit that consists of little models of all the buildings and monuments on the mall. The malls are made entirely out of plant parts. Check out this model of the Smithsonian Castle (headquarters of all the Smithsonian museums). I've gotten in the habit of stopping in the garden at the end of a run. At first I felt shy about going in there when I was messy and pink-cheeked and out of breath. But now it has become a sort of sanctuary for me: a place to catch my breath, warm up, and ease back into the world.

back from my run!

Wow! That was fabulous. First of all--I'm not an absolutely horrible, awful runner, it turns out! I can do it!! Secondly, I highly recommend early morning runs. It's a real high to be out there as the sun comes up, and feels great to start your day with such a sense of commitment and challenge. (Here I am, just back from the run.)

Running on the national mall is especially lovely, and I'm grateful to live (and run!) in this city. I ran all the way down the mall from the Capitol, past the Washington Monument, to the WWII memorial. And I was suddenly taken aback by a sense of the presence of my grandfathers, who both fought in WWII. I ran through the memorial (I included a picture of it here--it's a big circle and you can run through its arches) and thought of my Grandpa Warner, who is my main reason for running this race. I'm surprised by how much I do think about my grandpa as I am running. It's yet another gift that this experience is giving me.

It's early in the morning, and I'm getting ready to run on the national mall. It's my first official "long run." I'm so nervous!

no run today--sad!

Today is an officially scheduled rest day. I'm actually a little bummed. I almost decided to run anyway, but that would be bad behavior. Rest is an important part of the plan.

Here I am dressed up in a suit (because I had to meet with Congresspeople this morning). I miss my running shoes.

I'm just back from today's run. I ran down to the Capitol and stopped for a little bit to admire the national Christmas tree. It's an enormous balsam fir from Vermont, decorated with ornaments that Vermonter children made. It's nice--but not as wonderful as the tree we have at home. I'll post a picture of our tree just because I love it so much. This is the first time I've had a real, grown-up tree of my own.


It was funny to be at the Capitol all sweaty and dirty this morning, because I have to be there again tomorrow morning in a spiffy suit, to talk to Representatives about Audubon's work.


The best part of today's run was my brand new iPod Shuffle, sent by my parents to help me get through long runs. Thank you!! It is so much fun. I put two mix CDs on it, one made by my housemate Colin and one by my dear friend Laura in New Paltz. It's uplifting to think of your friends when your feet are feeling tired. I also downloaded some podcasts, including one called "Learn Spanish on Coffee Break" that is from Scotland. I learned how to say "There's no haggis here" in Spanish. Ah, there are so many added benefits to training for a long run. Can't wait to see what I'll learn next.

athletes' (!) clinic

I went to an athletes' clinic! I'm an athlete!!

This morning I went to Virginia for an 8 am Team in Training clinic and run. It was early, drizzling, and chilly but I didn't care. I had fun putting on all my different layers of gear. I felt very fancy.

Our first presentation was by doctors from a sports clinic, who gave lots of advice about preventing injury and a coupon for a free visit. I thought "Hey, I might have to go to a SPORTS clinic! Cool!" Then our coaches (John (whose 24-year-old son has leukemia) and Anita) talked to us about training and technique. Finally, someone from a running store came and showed us different shoes and gear and gave us more coupons. This program is good at making you feel loved.

At the end of the clinic, Coach John said, "Can I just say something about shoes? I know some of you are thinking that you'll go buy shoes at a discount store. You're thinking 'I shouldn't go to a running store--those stores are for real runners.' But please don't do that! You are running marathons. You are ATHLETES. You deserve to go to a running store. You deserve to have great shoes. Please do that for yourselves. You are athletes."

I'm an athlete! It's like someone gave me a whole new piece of myself.

After clinic, we ran just a little over 2 miles . I was slooowww, which is how I always run. But that's okay. Lots of people are slow, and they promise we'll get faster. And who cares--I may be slow, but at least I'm a slow ATHLETE.

(And just in case you're worried--I already have great shoes from a real running store.)