Saturday, January 21, 2006

The Other Way

I may not have mentioned it, but yes, I have actually been running. Let's see: two weeks ago, I tried to run on Thursday and Friday morning around home. This is when I discovered that I couldn't run for 30 minutes straight. Thursday I ran 20 then ran/walked the last ten, and Friday, I ran 15 and ran/walked the rest. WTH? I had no idea what the problem was and, after extensive and no doubt, extensively boring, consultation, my speedy friend/coach Bex concluded that I was mental it was all in my head.

I tend to agree, since I have to rule out lack of sleep or severe pain or really, anything else. I just stop. I start the endless litany of thinking "I can't do this." And my inner action hero just takes a nap.

Calling Dr. Freud.

Curiously, on Tuesday, back at work, on ye olde Crescent Trail, I ran three miles in 31:58.

So, it seems like I can only run on the Capital Crescent Trail. That's kind of a problem. It's beautiful and all, but really, that's like saying I can only walk in certain places. In other places, someone must carry me.

Can you believe I have worked in the same building for eight years, and have been running now since April 2005, and have NEVER ONCE gone out to the trail and turned LEFT? Talk about your ruts.

To overcome this one, on Thursday I did something madcap: I Ran the Other Way. Yup, I went out there and took a left. Three miles, in 32:51.

It was a whole new scene. Past retail stores, past the wonderful Bethesda Row Cinema, through an underpass, past a golf course, people's backyards.

So Running the Other Way is some big metaphor for life. And I should write something profound about it here. And I will. One day.

Meanwhile, Thursday night, I went back to Bikram Yoga in Dupont Circle, and yowza! I swear I lost five pounds in water weight in 90 minutes. Several extremely good-looking gentlemen were in attendance, covered only in speedos and sweat. Alas, I don't think they were dressed for anyone on my team. After about two minutes in the 120 degree heat, I kind of stop noticing anyone anyway, since I get really busy concentrating on staying alive.

And speaking of the Other Way and the Other Team—go see Brokeback Mountain. Extremely moving. Amazing acting.

The other way—we shall see whither it leads.

14 comments:

Nancy Toby said...

You wild woman. Keep making those left turns! You never know where they'll take you!

Lara said...

Left turns clearly rock - my left turn off the trail would put me in the canal but you've inspired me so what the heck!!

By the way, don't - or rather, try not to - sweat the runs that are less than stellar. As you can see, another great run is always right around the corner!

21st Century Mom said...

Excellent metaphor and you did a nice job with it - so far. But there is more in there somewhere - oh yes there is. One day you'll have a moment and all will become clear.

I loved Brokeback Mountain. I re-read the story about a week before I saw the movie. Ang Lee is a genius, Jake Gyllenhaal is adorable and Heath Ledger was on, in a big way.

Black Knight said...

I think that we run by our head before moving our legs. Keep on running.

Rae said...

Way to run the road less taken! Great job. I've found SO many of my problems are in my head, too. Have a great weekend!

Lora said...

I remember once reading that most everyone goes to the right when entering DisneyWorld--great job going left. I won't hold my breath waiting for your profound writings...lol...we get it anyway!! This yoga thingy sounds awesome!!!

Rhea said...

Re: "Thursday I ran 20 then ran/walked the last ten, and Friday, I ran 15 and ran/walked the rest."

For a second, I thought you meant 20 MILES and 15 MILES. Holy Sh**t! I thought, and almost started jumping up and down in my chair in excitement.

Na'theless, you are progressing quite nicely, thank you very much. As the others said, keep turning left.

jeanne said...

Bex: That's hilarious!

David said...

I hope this is the beginning of more revelations. Running the Other Way is a break out occasion. Do that more often. I promise the world will look differently, you'll lose weight and profess a whole new outlook on life. Run the Other Way.

Dawn - Pink Chick Tris said...

Hi! and great job on going the other way.

*jeanne* said...

I LOVE running the other way!

It's a whole new territory!

Just stopped by to say, "Hi!" (E!!ie sent me)

*jeanne*

Running Chick said...

great post jeanne! i need to try this concept out!

Dori said...

Well, you know, the good ones are either married or they're playing for the other team.

I went running with some friends the other day and we ran to the left, too. Go lefties!

Thomas said...

Who would have thought that turning the other way will result in such excitement? ;-)