I'm busy. The spud in me is crying out for a couch because since arriving in the great north I have had few opportunities to really, truly just veg out on the couch. Between working 40 hours a week and then training, and then seeing family and friends, it's been an entirely different experience than my usual day to day routine at home. Once again, I am not complaining, I am simply stating that the couch potato in me is like, "what's up with this?".
On Friday I only worked a half day, so I was able to enjoy the absolutely breathtakingly beautiful weather. We're talking 66 degrees, clear blue sky, awesome breeze and sunshine. The trees around here are incredible these days, as they prepare themselves for the frigid winter. I am so thankful to be here during this brief time of the year. When people ask why one would enjoy living in the north, what with the never-ending winters, it is no surprise to hear that it is because of this short period of time. It makes the rest of the year completely worth it.
I went to the lake, setting out to do two laps around it. One lap is 2.5 miles, so I was ready to go and break another record with 5 miles. Prior to arriving at the lake, I went to Schuler Shoes and purchased a new pair of running shoes. As you know, I have been having a lot of problems with my toes and my calves. Based on my foot needs, my foot strike, and what feels comfortable to me, I have done a lot of research on the New Balance Minimus Trail shoes. I understand that they are made mainly for trail running, but they can be worn on the road. I have gone back and forth with shoes that provide more support and shoes that mimic barefoot running, and after much debate, decided to give the Minimus a try. Either way I knew I would want them for when I'm back in Texas and give the trails a go. So I went to the lake set out to do my first lap in my new kicks and the second in my old. It took about 3/4 of a mile to get into the groove, but after that I felt great in my new shoes. My calves didn't hurt at all and my toes never even got close to cramping up. On my second time around, in my old shoes, I no more than started and my calves were on fire. I had to stop about 4 times to stretch, and it was all I could do to make it around that last lap. So, I can safely say that on Friday, I learned the importance of good running shoes. They will make or break your running experience.
All in all my time at the lake on Friday was just wonderful. The weather, my attitude and my body were all in sync and I was happy. I did make an observation. Minnesotans are extremely active. Young and old alike are out running and biking and walking. It makes me happy to be around so many people who are doing what they can to take care of their bodies (until an older man blows past me while running. A little part of me struggles to not consider myself completely pathetic. But then I remember how freaking lazy I am, by nature, and I run on with my head held high, knowing that no one else knows my inner spud. I intend to keep it that way, and trick those around me into thinking that I'm a super hot athlete.)
After spending the day climbing stair after stair and the waterpark yesterday, and anticipating rock climbing today, it's safe to say that my derrier can expect some good couch time tonight.
Peace, love & athletic old people
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