Running is serving as a very good distraction these days. This week, I closed out my crazy sleep cycle, and am going to a 0300-1500ish work shift, probably for the rest of my time here in Iraq. Not that it hasn’t been nice to be awake 18 hours of the day, throughout the day and the night — it’s just that it’ll be a little different to sleep, you know, more regular hours.
On the 19th, I had rolled my ankle off of the side of the road when running. I was less than 2 miles into a 3 mile run, but did 4 to make sure it wasn’t broken. I figured it was just sprained.
On the 22nd, I did it again, this time rolling it so far I fell to the desert floor and drew blood. I was a mere .25 into my planned 7 mile run and yes, I ran the 7 miles that night.
On the 29th, I rolled it a third time. Same left ankle — I run against traffic, on the side of the road, after midnight and in the dark, so these things happen. I made it about 3.66 miles of my planned 5, but had to stop. It hurt, and in one of those, “Uh, oh” kinds of ways.
But I have kept running. I knocked out four runs this week, for 19 miles. Saturday night was 9 miles, and I dragged Rob out to run with me (he’s also a zombie) which slowed the pace (talking always does that) but made it a very enjoyable run. 19 miles for the week, average pace of 9:12 per mile, running in the dark with a sprained ankle. 4 runs, averaging almost 45 minutes per run. When I’m back past 10 miles, and over 45 minutes average run time per run, I’ll say I’m again a distance runner. And I’d probably return to regular ice cream, too.
I think it was an OK week. Good running. This coming week, I’ve got new Nikes to work into the running. I’ll start with small runs, to see how they are. I can do 3 or 4 miles under the worst conditions, so even if the shoes are horrible I’d still make my run — vs. trying new shoes first on a long run, which could be a nightmare.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:26 am
You’re even crazier than I already thought–but The Ring–in Turbo Tess–with little ones in back!?! My baby bro (50ish) got a Mini a few years ago. I got a ride, along with our 14 year old nephew. Boy got in back, Old Auntie got in front. Old Auntie pulled the belts tight, braced both feet, got a good grip on the Oh Shit bar and the armrest. “Okay, light ‘er off” When we got to the first stop sign, Boy in Back asked to stop so he could hang on better. Then he asked “Uncle, why(when you are 6’5″ and weigh 170) did you get a Mini?” “Because it’s the closest thing to a shifter kart I can drive on the street.” Mad Uncle lives and commutes in Boston!! Old Auntie still drives her ’84 RX7- but only in the summer.
You have 5 boxes incoming for IBOL, and my DH is thrilled that fabric and yarn were actually LEAVING the house. I really hope to see that honkin great tent full!! When you come up with your next great idea, I want in!! I’m the Old Auntie who has no children, so I LOVE to spoil them any way I can.
I’ve now bookmarked this blog, as well as IBOL, so I will be watching…keep your head down and think of Kailua Beachfront Park early in the morning. You’ll be there soon.