When I am posting a run diary, as I hope to do often on this blog, I do not plan on just giving the bare bones facts....that would be an awfully boring blog! I also realize that most people do not care if my left quad was a little sore, or if it was raining. I hope to be able to tell stories from the run, and relate this to all things in life. It is truly amazing the things you see and experience on a run. AS you can see my music taste is VERY eclectic so be prepared for a little randomness on that end. Here is a sample run diary from my run today:
Date: 09/15/2011
Distance: 5.03 miles
Pace: 9:50/mile
Route: Splash Park
Song that got me started: "Lights (Bassnectar Remix)" by Ellie Gouling
Song that got me through the wall: "Anchor" by Satelites & Sirens
Song that brought me home: "Fantastic Voyage" by Coolio
The great thing about this route, the one I affectionately call "Splashpark," is that it takes me through so many people. There are times when you want to see people,. and times you want solitude when you run. I only take this route when I want people interaction. This route takes me through Downtown Plymouth (I get to run by the fountain) and then out of town to a park with a splashpark in it. In the summer this route was always buzzing with people. Whether it was diners at restruants in Plymouth to millions of kids getting soaked, this route was jammed with people.
As the temperature has dropped, and my weekday runs start finishing in the dark, I have been seeing less people. Today, it was an eerily lonesome run. Don't get me wrong, there are times when I want solitude on a run, but I was not expecting this much on this route. Usually I have to dodge around people strolling through Plymouth, and get strange looks from people eating dinner on the patios of restaurants. Today, I just breezed through. The strange looks I think are a kind way of people saying... "You are waaaay to big to be running." It is not often that you see a 6'1", broad shouldered, 250lb man running through the streets, so I can understand their slight amazement.
I also like running this route because I feel that I run better when people are watching. Sad to say, but a little exterior motivation is always a good thing. Usually on this route I am always by people except for maybe miles 3 and the start of 4, so there is always a bunch of people to look "fast" for. Don't try and pretend you are better then that. I am convinced we all try to show off a little when we know others are around. Who hasn't picked up the pace a little when a "ruunerguy" or "runnergal" comes around the corner speeding along at 7"30/mile towards you. I know I do.
So my question to you, dear reader is whether you like solitude or company on a route? What are some characteristics of your favorite route?
My favorite route takes me from my house downtown Plymouth and back. I too go around the fountain. I don't mind people, but what I really like to see is other runners. Then it feels like we are all in it together. What I don't like is accidentally scaring people as I come up from behind, I sure don't feel like a quiet runner but apparently I am. I scared two old ladies BAD a few years back so now if I have any doubt I work up a cough as I approach so they hear something.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteI am always shouting "On your left" for like 20 feet as I approach someone from behind You are right though, people freak out and half the time they jump right into your path. Pays to be a loud runner.
Congratulations on the new blog, JD! I like it. I've been thinking for a while that your Facebook posts about running would be great material for a running blog, and now here you are.
ReplyDeleteI too love seeing other runners out there. I always want to say something like "good job" or "keep it up," but I'm afraid they'll think I'm being sarcastic or strange for saying anything. So mostly I just try to make eye contact and smile.
Oh, and one more thing: if we run on Sunday, please don't kick my butt! We both know you're in much better running shape than me, Mr. 5 miles ;-)