I know how weird this is going to sound to my non-running friends, but I ran twenty-three miles today by mistake.
Yeah.
I plotted my route very carefully last night, but for whatever reason this morning I thought I was supposed to start with three loops around campus instead of two. I suspected something wasn’t quite right when I got home and it was after 11:00. I had expected to be home between 10:00 and 10:30, and while I had a couple delays due to water procurement problems and the siren song of a yard sale, those things shouldn’t have added close to an hour to my run time.
But an additional three miles on top of those delays sure did it.
It was a pretty good run, though. I was out before dark and got to watch the sunrise. When I got to the zoo, I heard the monkeys whooping it up somewhere and felt like I was in the rain forest. I stopped to read the inscription on a monument in the park. I did battle with a high-spouting water fountain in windy weather. I browsed a yard sale. I watched ospreys soar overhead and cormorants dive for fish in the bayou.
And I had a very hearty lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant. Now that I realize I ran three miles more than I thought, I believe this entitles me to another cookie. Or to some of the rice pudding I’m making tonight.
As crazy as it sounds, I think I’ll do this route a couple more times this month, body willing. I don’t usually do more than a single twenty-miler before the marathon, but if I can handle two or three in the 20+ range, I should have a really fantastic marathon in January!
Gonna go have that extra cookie now. I earned it!
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21 comments:
Woot! Good for you! I can't wait for the day when I can say "I ran 23, and I think I'll do that a few more times..." and that day will come!
You're a star! Enjoy your cookie!
Was not the sunrise yesterday morning fantastic? As I was paddiling out into the bay at daybread huge rafts of ducks and seagulls were lifting off as I approached. There must have been 5,000 birds not very happy that I was pushing them out of bed so early. If I only had monkey noises in the background my day would have been complete.
The run from heaven ... I wish I could have such an experience where I "wake up" and see I'm an extra 3 miles down the road! I guess I'm too much of a phone-pole counter!
What's the race in January?
The Bag Lady commends you! And is a wee bit jealous of your weather - it's too cold here to run anywhere right now, except perhaps between the house and the car! Or the house and the woodshed...running low on wood for the stove...sure wish it would warm up a little!
Kyle - I don't think they'll let you bring your kayak to Hermann Park, although it would make an interesting story to tell your friends if you tried it!
RG - Houston Marathon is January 13. I'm also thinking of doing the Texas Marathon in Kingwood (a Houston edge city) on January 1 as a final long run before my taper.
BL - I hate cold and the restrictions bad weather puts on my outdoor activities, but I wish we had real seasons. It's tiresome to wear summer clothes all year round. I have a perverse fondness for wool skirts and merino and cashmere sweaters. My grandpa raised sheep, so maybe it's a genetic thing. ;-)
Excellent reward system. And good for you.
yup, you're right, it does sound weird! i've NEVER had that happen ;-)
but sounds like you enjoyed it.
Lordy. I can't even imagine doing such a thing. I'd much rather rehearse a musical theatre piece for 12 solid hours, choreography and all.
Bless your littly bunny haidbone, hon.
Typing of bunnyness, LOVE your animation! :D
Gah. Littly? Well, looky there. I coined a new word just for you!
That is fabulous! And hee, I love the little animated bunny in your sidebar. :)
Oh yeah, me too-- I just accidentally ran 23 miles...
NOT!
I am truly impressed. And yes, I do believe you earned yourself an extra cookie!
Wow, very impressive run! I like the idea of yard-sale shopping during a long run, too!
Now yur makin me wanna run lots and lots of miles so I can get some eckstra kitty treats!
hehehehe
Kittyhugs and purrs from MaoMao!
Running? Wow, very impressive. I don't even really walk. Mom says I "tuddle."
*giggle*
Purrs and snuggles from Marilyn.
What a beautiful post! The only time I'm up and out before the sun comes up is when I have an early-morning shift but your description of life before sunrise makes me want to get out of bed and go outside early more often. You could really hear the monkeys? That's so awesome. You live in a good place, BG.
I wish a lot of luck you and that you will win your marathon, muhahahaha!
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...
Too funny. I don't think anything like that will EVER happen to me.
Hey ... has anyone heard from Bunny Girl lately? Think she went back out for a long run and made a wrong turn ???
You HAVE earned that extra cookie. If nothing else, what is running for? Great job on the added and unexpected mileage. Bonus miles!
Way to go...and good luck with your marathon!
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