Like a moth near a tiki torch at dusk, this race series has been flicking around the back of my mind for a month now. In many ways, these races were the harbinger of my success as a runner last year. Or, I could put it another way: they were a course of vitamins I diligently took to make me stronger.
Last week, my HR department announced the dates for the five Media Challenge races, in which employees from various media companies pit themselves against each other for the right to control the hearts & minds of the American public. The first one is next week, on May 20th. I’ll have to send my regrets to that party, since I know there’s no way–I can feel it in my post-9k+ walk soreness–that I’ll be running a mile by then, let alone 3.5 of them.
The other night, EN tried to perk me up. First, he laughed 
when I told him I felt like a pussy: I’m so weak and off my training that a long walk made me achy. Pathetic! Then, he tried to convince me this forced hiatus from running was an opportunity to start fresh, as if I were a running virgin.
Honestly people. I have no desire to revisit virginity (of any sort)–apart from the fact that it’s technically impossible, it was hard enough to lose it the first time. No joke: I mounted very persuasive arguments using both words and, er, gestures to get my first two boyfriends to have sex with me–without success. (They were exceedingly Catholic.) And granted, while my first-ever weeks of running were primarily characterized by lots of heavy breathing, skin slick with sweat, and rythmic motion, I am not looking forward to awkwardly pushing through 10-mile weeks, side cramps, and reduced speed to get to that Oh Yes place in my training again.
At least with running, I just have to worry about pleasing myself.
Here are the dates for this year’s Media Challenge Series. All races start at 7 PM near Tavern on the Green in Central Park. Give me a shout if you’ll be competing for your company.
- Wednesday, May 20
- Tuesday, June 23
- Wednesday, July 8
- Tuesday, July 21
- Wednesday, August 5
Pigtails Flying 
just for the record, I’ve never had an ‘Oh Yes!’ moment in training…I never even realized it was a possibility.
I used to take Dec. off nearly every year. It really helped in knowing that I could get back to running after a break.
Maybe because I ran track and XC at school but I’ve always view running as seasons. Training, mileage and effort are in a state of flux. Waxing and waning through the year. While uphill isn’t as fun as the downhill to 2 really can’t exist apart.