The Run that Almost Wasn’t.

If you live in New England, chances are that today you are being deluged with downpours and whipped by chilly winds. At least thats how it is in Boston. It also, as my luck has it, was the day I planned to run 21 miles. Now I could have planned the longest run of my marathon training for last Saturday, a still, sunny, mid 50’s spring day. But that wouldn’t be exciting, would it?

So this morning, I woke up dark and early. Then I went back to bed for an hour of deep sleep that felt great. I mapped out my running route while eating a bowl of Greek yogurt and peanut butter topped with some chocolate covered Goji berries. Yum!

I REALLY didn’t want to run. I left the house in shorts and after 2 blocks turned back home to put pants on. The forecast said it would be 52, but it felt closer to 32.

Back at home, I considered just staying. That would have been nice. But I headed back out and along the South Boston waterfront where the winds felt like a hurricane. I was soaked about 1/4 mile into the run. The first 6 miles or so were brutal, and I considered quitting about 25 times. The dialogue in my head was literally, “I can quit and start over tomorrow.” “But if you just keep going you’ll be done and can enjoy the weekend.” Back and forth back and forth. I changed my route a million times and after about 8 miles decided to focus on time, just running for 3 hours and 40 minutes. I spent a looooooong time running around Beacon Hill just to make sure I got in a quality run. The mental struggle went on, but it got a little quieter the further I got. Once I was 15 miles in, there  was no way I wasn’t going to finish.

With about 45 minutes left, my iPod died 🙁 So I ran the last bit listening to the wind and the traditional Irish music blaring from South Boston pubs. That kept me going.

I arrived home FROZEN. I couldn’t put my key in the door or turn the doorknob my hands were so numb. Needless to say I ignored the advice to ice and hopped in a hot bath with a bath bomb that I got at Lush in Harvard Square yesterday (more on that later). And here I am, in my bed, blogging and catching up on Real Housewives of NYC.

I had a great afternoon and evening at a Yukon Salmon event with Oldways, followed by a beer tasting at Cardullo’s in Harvard Square and dinner at The Red House. I will be back later with photos and a full restaurant review.

Before I head out, I did want to announce that the lucky winner of Secrets of a Skinny Chef is Nicole from Making Good Choices! Congrats Nicole! Please send me an email to traveleatlove@gmail.com with your address so I can have the book shipped to you.

Have a great Saturday everyone! I am off to do some Napa and Sonoma planning!