Heat and the Hill

This morning I got up a little earlier than usual to run. I wanted to get out before the heat became unbearable. How silly of me! With the temperature already above 80 degrees, high humidity, and a code red air quality the day started unbearable.

When I opened the door, the furnace blast hit me; I began to sweat and Zoe began to pant instantly. I figured we may as well get it over with - it won't be pretty but it has to get done.

Before I got to Lincoln Park I was soaked and Zoe was none to enthusiastic about the work out. But I kept cheering her on and before I knew it we were at the fountains. She jumped right in and I could see the disappointment on her face. Wondering what could possibly be disappointing about the fountain when you're a water dog, I dipped my hand in and felt why - it was WARM. Not exactly the chance to cool her paws it usually is. She took a couple of gulps and jumped out as quickly as she jumped in.

She was mildly revived by the hydration and bossed me down the hill to where we turn around.

And head UP hill.

I've spoken of running Capitol Hill before. It's on our regular route and an important part of my run as it's the only hill I regularly run.

Today it was Capitol Hell. Seriously, it was damn hot and where Zoe will normally encourage me up the hill, I practically had to DRAG her up it. Nothing like a little 65 lb. resistance in your workout! Ugh. We were running, as usual, along the south side of Independence Ave and as I ran I stared longingly at the other side of the street - the sprinklers were on and soaking the sidewalk. I just didn't have enough energy to cross the street! Besides, it would have required stopping for traffic and breaking your stride mid-hill is the kiss of death - even more so in the heat. So I chugged along pulling Zoe wondering why I hadn't crossed the street at the bottom of the hill and praying we'd reach the top.

Of course we reached the top - we always do. And once it's passed us, it never feels as bad as I was thinking while running it. I suppose the hill is often difficult just because I'm THINKING it is. I guess I only have one more chance to be challenged by the Hill before the move.

Bring it on.

Running as Therapy

Some people think runners are crazy. I beg to differ. I think runners are some of the most sane people I know because running is a kind of therapy.

I know for me it works wonders. And John Bingham talks about it as Physical Therapy in this article (though he actually touches on the mental benefits as well).

With the impending move, I've found getting out of bed to run a far easier thing to do than it has been in the past. As Zoe and I run along, I can feel the stress leaving my body. It's almost like I leave it in my wake. And by the time we return to the house, I feel calmer than I had even upon waking.

I don't know why it works for me. Maybe the stress or whatever toxic feeling I'm experiencing leaves the body with the other toxins as I sweat. Maybe it has to do with reflexology and I'm actually massaging some areas of my foot that benefit my mood. Maybe it's just the steady pounding of my feet that hypnotizes me into feeling chill. Ultimately, I don't care why it works, just that it does.

What Bingham said about climbing a hill is very true for me. Capitol Hill, along Independence Ave, is my regular "hill" and I can often judge my mental and emotional state, as well as my physical one, on how I take the hill. Do I attack it? Is it easy to get up the hill or am I begging for Zoe's help the entire way? When I finish, am I sucking wind or easily moving toward home? The best part of the hill, is that while I'm running it, it's the only thing on my mind. Everything else takes a back seat until I'm all the way up and running at my regular pace.

I think I'll have to give the "all out" (which I usually do at the very end of the run - my so-called kick) a try. See if I can't run harder every now and then. Remove me from my comfort zone.

If it brings peace of mind, the hard way is the right way.

The Next Day

Well, the final Margarita Monday was terrific - 3 pitchers, queso, guacamole, bean dip, salsa and a stunning night. My friends and I certainly enjoyed the evening.

I might be paying for it today. I have had a small headache all day - which might be due to the tequila, or might not. I had wild dreams all night - which might be due to the tequila, or might not. I clenched my jaw all night - which might be due to the dreams, or might not.

Regardless, it wasn't a happy start to the day.

I did, however, get up and RUN. I figured it couldn't hurt to purge my body of the toxins - alcoholic and non.

So Zoe and I took our usual route down East Capitol to the Congressional Fountains, up Capitol Hill, and back on Independence Ave. It wasn't a bad run per se, but Zoe's heart wasn't in it. It was warm and muggy . . . and though I've been running on vacation, she hasn't! So she's out of practice. Yet she's a trooper and hung in there. She managed to pick up her pace near the fountains and chasing a squirrel, but the rest of the run she plodded along behind me panting away.

Well, perhaps there are more toxins in me than I care to admit as I'm still pushing through with this mild headache. Ugh.

I'm hopeful that a quiet evening of laundry, closet cleaning, and packing will ease the headache. And perhaps, ease the stress for a more restful evening so that tomorrow will be a better day.

Beach Comber

So I've been away on the annual family vacation . . . to Hampton Beach, NH. It's the largest stretch of beach on New Hampshire's mere 18 miles of coastline. We've been going there since I was born . . . and even before that! My mother was taken there as a child with her family. So three generations have been going back there almost every summer for sun, sand, and sea.

The good news is I managed to get three runs in while there. Two with my brother, one with my nephew (sort of . . . he's so damn fast). It was good to have the company and it's a place of many memories, so I'm never bored as I jog along.

The weather was really stunning. Not too hot and always a sea breeze to keep me cool. Of course, the first run it was more like a head wind and I was pretty miserable on the trip back because of it, but I can't complain - it kept me cooler.

It's fun to watch the day start on the beach. Things are still pretty quiet (even on the 4th) and you see regulars with their coffee and doughnuts from Dunkin' Doughnuts (yup, Starbucks is a rare find up there) sitting on benches enjoying the morning air.

The days I didn't run I took long walks along the beach or lazed in a sand chair and read. The water is way too cold for me to swim . . . which is too bad because I would love to get out there and ride the waves with my nieces and nephews. ALAS! I'm a wimp.

So now I'm back and have two weeks before the big move and will need to release some stress through running. Tonight is margarita Monday, but I've been known to get out there running even after enjoying my share of a pitcher. So, I'm going to have to grin and bear the heat and humidity of DC. Not every day is a beach day!