Do you ever get the impression when you’re doing a loop run instead of an out-and-back that you’re going the wrong way? I first noticed this when I started running in Central Park. I entered the park at 72nd Street and headed north, but I felt like everyone was going the other way. The next time I ran the park, I turned south at 72nd Street… and still felt wrong. The same is true here in Boston. Coming from the Boston side, I hit the river and turned… well, I don’t know which way is north, but I went toward Allston, and felt like I was going against the (foot) traffic. Tonight, I looped the other way (up to the Science Museum, then down to the BU Bridge, then back), and I just kept seeing everyone going the other way. I counted three people going the same way as me: two guys who passed me, and one girl who I passed (ha). I guess it’s just because I run at a pretty average pace, so chances are I wouldn’t see the people ahead of or behind me if they’re running close to my pace. I still feel weird.
Today was my first “real” run in almost two weeks. By “real,” I mean not on the treadmill. I know plenty of people run on the treadmill all winter long. (I like to call them wimps for not being able to handle the cold weather, but in truth, I admire them – I don’t think I’ve ever been able to do more than 3 miles on the treadmill.) I do better when I can’t check how far I’ve gone, because otherwise I psych myself out into being more tired than I am. Tonight, actually, I ran for about an hour, but felt fantastic and not-winded, like I hadn’t done more than a mile or two. Turns out I did 6.7 miles, and at a decent 8:50 pace. I’m mildly pleased with that, though after I calculated all that, I wished I had gone faster.
When you first start running, everything is a big accomplishment. It’s the furthest you’ve gone, or the fastest you’ve gone, or the first time you’ve run in bad conditions or with an injury, etc. I’m getting to the point where I can’t be superhuman and always come up with a new best. Tonight was one of those average runs where I did just fine (and actually, probably better than fine considering I hadn’t run in two weeks), but was still disappointed that it wasn’t any kind of milestone.
On another topic, my run today took me through Boston University, and discovered that 90% of people were dressed in one of two ways: half the people had on either a BU sweatshirt or something crimson (which I think is their school color?). These people were like ads for a school brochure, and I was a little surprised. I mean, I absolutely loved Cornell, and will talk it up to anyone who will listen – I think most alumni feel the same way. But we didn’t wear Cornell stuff all day long. I was thinking all this on my run, and then got home and threw on my fuschia Cornell sweatshirt. Oops.
Anyway, the other big fashion trend I noticed at BU was guys in suits and girls in outfits that were (I think) supposed to be business clothes, but were… kind of hoochie. From the top down: pearl earrings, blazers or cute little cardigans, spring skirts… and then no stockings and the highest heels I have ever seen not being worn by a stripper. Seriously, these girls were teetering down the street about six inches over my head. If anyone knows what event might have caused this trend, please let me know. All I could think of was a happy hour mixer with a “CEOs and corporate hos” theme, but they seemed pretty sober and pretty serious, so I’m really not sure.
Oh – I almost forgot the one thing that made my run kind of out of the ordinary. I crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon 🙂 It’s right across the street from my hotel, and I made a point of coming back on a route that would take me over it. I was tempted to throw my arms up in the air and act like I was really finishing the Boston Marathon, but there were too many people around and I didn’t want to look like an idiot. You know, just in case either Bill or my favorite security screener from Logan were around and waiting to take me for a drink. (Sadly, no cute boys on this run).
Off on another ski trip tomorrow… posting may become sporadic. Have a great weekend everyone!
You should thrown your arms up and screamed when you crossed the Boston Marathon finish line. It would have been priceless to see people trying to figure out what you were up to. Have fun skiing.
Very Very Observant!
And very cool you crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon:) hmf
Sounds like a fantastic run to me.
Blazers and flowery skirts with heels? I’m not getting it either.
Sounds like a great run! Have fun skiing!