Ever since training began in January the Wednesday night run has been a timed run, out and back; but tonight we did a circular route, and you guesses it - FARTLEK. The route was simple, north over the Southgate Bride, right on Pete Rose to the Purple People Bridge, then past the Newport on the levee - rinse and repeat three times. To make it a workout the head coach (I will call him Senior Meanie) had us FARTLEK, or increase speed, on the bridge inclines. Our first Fart (for short, you know) hit heading into the incline on the Purple Peep. At this point I've run from the river into Eden Park twice, and although it's a "real hill", it felt manageable. Nonetheless the hill that gives me the most difficulty is the southbound entrance to the Purple People Bridge. I cannot figure out why - maybe, although shorter in distance, it's steeper? I'm not sure why it give me such a challenge.
First lap-not so bad - I was determined not to let this bridge get to me. Second lap-strong but weary - so I focused my attention on the full moon that was sneaking out from behind the clouds). Third lap-ugh. Just ugh. I really had to will myself to keep going and not to just give up and walk. But I did it. I can't say that third lap was very FART-ful but it was done. In part borrowing from the energy of the coaches and nearby runners.
I discovered a fellow "cheerleader" among my group tonight. You know the type of person who "woo hoo's" at an accomplishment. I'm one of those people so tonight I met Tara - my running pack mate in whooping it up. It's amazing how much being among like-minded, positive energy people can help you over any hill. No matter how challenging it is.
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