Today: 10 miles of smiles.
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Okay…. 9.5 miles of smiles and .5 mile of blubbering. But we’ll get to that.
On Saturday morning Nick and I were out the door bright and early to meet our Team in Training group for our first double digit run. After battling a cold and some sort of pain in the neck (literally), I scaled back my training this past week to be sure I could start and finish the ten miler. We could not have ordered better weather; it was sunny and cool when we set out as a team. Our route took us through the Seaport and Financial Districts, twice around the Common and the Public Garden, out to Carson Beach and back to the South Boston Running Emporium.
Somewhere around the five mile mark, I slowed it down a bit and was about to take a quick walk break, when a person (possibly under the influence of a controlled substance… or maybe he just ate too many Gus or Clif Shots) started yelling swear words at me. Oh, the Common. Never dull people watching there. Needless to say, I did the opposite of slowing down and kicked it into high gear until I was to the team’s water stop. With the exception of those awkward five minutes, I was able to keep a slow, steady pace for the full ten miles. I felt strong, and surprised at how quickly the time passed. Though I love running in our neighborhood, the change of scenery was nice. For the most part.
As I was approaching the Macy’s at Downtown Crossing, I noticed a homeless man looking at the window displays. I am not sure what came over me, but I felt myself choking up and before I could stop myself, tears were pouring down my cheeks. Thanks to my running hat, which I wear dorkily low to keep the sun out of my eyes, I don’t think anyone noticed. I don’t mean to assume anything about this man’s life, but the scene struck me. I can only hope that some day I’ll be able to do more good than weeping like a willow. That some of us have so much, while others don’t have the security of food and shelter is impossible for me to reconcile. Needless to say, I spent the last few miles of the run digging deep. And getting snot all over the place.
Returning to the Running Emporium, where our fabulous coach and teammates were waiting, I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Accomplishment and gratitude.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Tina posted some great pictures from Saturday’s run
- Jimmy and Colleen’s wedding was amazing– will share a few pictures soon
- Picking up our little monster this afternoon 🙂
What do you think about when you’re out running, or doing something similar?
Comments (10)
purplume
October 11, 2010 at 6:06 pm
This is so touching. I love it when I have an emotional catharsis, especially if I have a good hat to hide it in. Bless you and congrats on the 10 miles.
PS when I traveled this summer I took a pomegranate and chamomile tea bag from you. I usually think chamomile is too bland for my tastes but the blend was so perfect when I came back to my hotel exhausted. I don’t think anything could have been better. Then I rubbed some lavender scented massage oil on myself from another of your samples. Bless you.
Naomi(onefitfoodie)
October 12, 2010 at 8:45 am
umm i just got the chills reading this post! amazing! i loved it and awesome job! i ran the tufts 10k a few years ago it was so much fun!!
Tina
October 12, 2010 at 8:58 am
Saturday’s run was pretty awesome. Loved your recap! 🙂
Terry Elisabeth @ Québécoise et bilingue
October 12, 2010 at 10:20 am
Wow. That was quite a surge of emotion !
What a gorgeous building. Great place for picture taking.
betsy
October 12, 2010 at 4:32 pm
I’ve become emotional during a run before, too. I say it’s normal!
good job 🙂
Indigo
October 14, 2010 at 9:32 pm
The emotions sure do flow while on a run, don’t they? I think the sweat totally covers up the tears though. 🙂
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