In the summertime it’s easy to take running in daylight for granted. There’s such an abundance of it: the light pushes out the night before 6 AM, and spills over into dusk past 8 PM. In the winter, I get two daylight runs a week, on Saturday and Sundays. That’s it. So you can imagine how energized I felt on Saturday when I realized I would need to wear my sunglasses! The sun was shining as if it had held its breath all night long and now was blowing it out in a great, bright sign of relief.
So, 14 miles. Right-o! But where to go? I was not enticed by my regular routes. Over the bridge and across town to the park? No, I didn’t feel like fighting pedestrians headed out for brunch. Over the bridge and up the East Side Rec Path? No, I didn’t want to run that far up Manhattan. Into Astoria to Hell Gate? Not enough miles. I was restless, I wanted to trail blaze but I also didn’t want to deal with auto traffic, sidewalks clogged with strollers. I didn’t have time to plot out a new route and write up a turn sheet, so I settled for a composite run. Bridge, rec path, Astoria Park.
It worked out alright. Because the routes were so familiar to me, I could put my feet on autopilot and let my mind wander, thinking about my friends and family, and about forthcoming dates to visit and dine with them. Nevertheless, I was a little bored. By Mile 11 I just wanted the run over with. The benefit of this was that I ran faster in my haste to be home. 14.05 miles in 2:08:58. Average pace 9:10; fastest mile 8:35; slowest mile 9:52.
After I stretched and showered, I got in the car with Matilda (my dog) for some family visits, and meals. First, spaghetti and meatballs with Nana. Then, I went drove east to see Mom and Dad. I haven’t been there for a casual visit in ages, though I was there for Christmas. It’s always special to have a few aimless hours with my parents, during which we catch each other up on the big and the small bits of life. Having them all to myself is a treat, and it’s even better when it comes with a meal of shrimp oreganata, polenta and asparagus. Matilda and I returned home after 9 PM, weary yet full of good food and good company.
Nice job getting out there on yesterday. It was so beautiful! Nice pace
Love the second sentence! “pushes out the night” amazing. I’m jealous of the run. I got zero runs in this weekend.
Yeah but you were snowboarding all weeknd–that’s an insane core & glute workout, dude.
we did 14 together…although you’re way faster.
Great bridge pic!