"Running is stupid!"

I went on a break with my coworker, David last Friday. We walked around the building a few times. David can do these awesome L-sits. I can't even get my legs up. On Friday he told me he was finally able to do hand-stand push-ups. Hell, I can't even do a hand-stand. David is one of the few people that I talk about running with. I don't like talking about it to other folks, because one usually ends up sounding like a douche. "Yeah, I've got a race coming up this weekend. I'm carb-loading now to prepare." "Oh, I only ran 8 miles this morning because I was only able to get out of bed at 5 am instead of my usual 4 am." Shut up, douche.

Anyway, I told him that I was seriously undertrained for my half coming up and that I had to run 11 or 12 miles that weekend to prepare. His response? "That is stupid!" Hehe, thanks David. He went on to say that that's what cars are for and he doesn't even know if he can bike 11 or 12 miles.

Yesterday, Martin and I headed out to try a new "trail." It's mostly flat and all paved. My plan was to run out 6 miles and double back for a total of 12 miles. I felt pretty good for the first 3 miles. Martin kept up with me, but then I looked back after 3 and didn't see him anymore.

After about 4 miles, I came to a Mexican market and had no idea where the trail was. So I hung a left and another left and just ran down a street. It was pretty nice and quiet. There was a long stretch of straightaway that would have been perfect for speed workouts had I been doing those.

Since I lost the trail, I figured I would just run to 5.5 miles and head back. I took a mint chocolate GU (okay tasting) at that point, texted Martin that I was now turning around and proceeded to run back. I was tired.

At 7 miles I wanted to die. My legs felt like lead. David's thoughts became mine. "Running is stupid!" I ran/walked the rest of the way back.

I know I shouldn't be, but I was so disappointed that even when I pushed myself to "run" I was only able to maintain a 13:00 pace at this point.

With 1 mile to go, I saw Martin in the distance and my spirits brightened. I was able to run most of the way back, albeit at a very slow 13:00 mile pace. Eh, whatever.

Splits:
Mile 1: 10:30
Mile 2: 10:44
Mile 3: 10:47
Mile 4: 10:52
Mile 5: 11:28
Mile 6: 12:18
Mile 7: 11:36
Mile 8: 12:06
Mile 9: 13:30
Mile 10: 13:54
Mile11: 13:15

I felt really yucky after the run. But after a long hot shower and some food I felt a little better. I tried to stay on my feet the rest of the day to help with recovery.

I was going to do Insanity later that night, but my allergies were killing me and I hit the sheets at 9 pm.

Oh, man. Running. Yes, sometimes it is stupid. And I still love it. Perhaps I'm stupid.