They Can't All Be Gems

From time to time you will have a bad run. Runners know this. Intellectually, runners know this. In actuality, they think they'll never run well again and their running life as they know it is over.

I had such a run tonight. It was only short-ish run but it hurt from step one. I joined a Fleet Feet Power Hour where you can run as little or as far as you want but have to be done in an hour. My training plan called for 5 miles so I would be going further than a lot of participants. It was not fun.

Here are some of the thoughts I had while running:

• Man, it's warmer than I thought it was going to be.
• How are my legs still sore from Sunday's hills? That was 4 days ago.
• I wish I would have brought some music. 
• How far have I gone? Only .78? Seriously?
• I should have worn something sleeveless.
• How much further till the water fountain?
• Water!! Yes!
• The longer I drink at this fountain, the longer until I have to start running again. *slurp, slurp*
• Ok - my turnaround has to be coming soon, right?
• Ugh....too much water....side stitch
• Where is that $@#&* turnaround?
• Seriously, it is hot.
• Everyone else in the world is turning around now. I want to turn around too. 
• Only .25 until the turnaround
• Yes! I don't have to go any further. 
• Crap. I still have to go back.
• Water fountain again. Yay! 
• Oh look at that couple sitting there on the bench. I want to sit on the bench with them. That would be weird. But comfortable. 
• My car is still 2 miles from where I am.
• This is the longest hour of my life.
• I'm sweating a lot.
• Ugh...uphill. Why wasn't it easier when I ran down that section?
• Ok - I think I might be getting into a groove now. Maybe I just needed a couple miles to warm up.
• Nope. This still sucks.
• Another hill. Screw it - I'm walking up that bad boy.
• Just one mile left. I can do that. 
• Oh - there's my friend up ahead. Maybe I can run with her for a little while.
• Well that was a less excruciating 2 steps. 
• Half mile left. 
• I'll miss being able to walk up stairs.
• Done! 
• I'm not sure I can walk the 20 feet to my car.
• Please send help.

Spoiler: I did make it to my car and made it home, where I enjoyed some quality time with my foam roller.