Sometimes there is nothing more infuriating that someone getting a backbone. You used to be my pet, my Gunga Din, my bobble-head doll. How dare you have plans and ideas of your own!
It’s taper time, but there’s still running to get done. This week, I’ve 25+ miles to fit in between making sure my shit’s in order at the office before I leave for a week and a half; packing once, twice and checking a third time; last-minute shopping; and beauty appointments. That’s right–I said beauty. I’m gonna need all the help I can get so as not look completely graceless and disheveled during the London Marathon, so I have booked the following: hair cut and color, pedicure, eyebrow shaping and tint, and eyelash tint. No doubt this list will illicit laughter, disgust and nods of agreement. Honestly, guys: this is the height of my vanity. It’s as bad as it gets, and ultimately I’ll fuss more over myself for race day than I will when I get all dolled up for a wedding or other occasion.
Sunday I got up early to run a resigned 4+ miles. I soaked up all the sun I could because I knew I’d be spending the bulk of my day at the office getting a head start on the week. I ran around my neighborhood loop, and I think I spotted Yellow Shorts! She was running in the opposite direction as me, but once again she was oddly attired (green track pants, long-sleeved tee-shirt), with that long swinging ponytail. Oh, I most definitely gave her a good hard look. 4.82 miles run in 45:39. Average pace 9:28; fastest mile 9:21; slowest mile 9:54.
Monday is normally my rest day but because of various scheduling conflicts I am taking Wednesday and Friday off instead. The run home from work yesterday was a 29-minute gift. The late afternoon sun gave me glint and shade, and I felt like a feather as I slipped in between pedestrians and traffic, shoof shoof shoof. I’d left Little G at home to recharge (he still got his regular rest day after all), and even though I used my iPod’s stopwatch to record the gross time, it was liberating to not know my splits. I swear it’s why I ran so quickly (~3.5 miles in ~29 minutes). The days of humid and heavy heat will soon be upon us, but for now there is no joy quite like stretching out after a warm run, all panting and sweaty. My body, what a miracle of form and function.
The Doll List
Songs: “Tear off Your Own Head (It’s a Doll Revolution)” by Elvis Costello and “Mannequin Shop” by Paul Westerberg
Movies: Guys and Dolls, Child’s Play
Books: William’s Doll by Charlotte Zolotow, Possession by A. S. Byatt, A Candle in Her Room by Ruth M. Arthur
Pigtails Flying 
what’s that film with the killer doll that gets put in the oven(?) “Trilogy of Terror’?
Off topic, but I thought you’d like a picture of your bridge (as well as the post’s sentiments).
Heyyyyyyyy..I got a question for you! Next sunday (25th) I am running the MORE 1/2 marathon in central park. I’ve been in central park 2 million times but never as a runner. I am being warned about ‘major’ hills and not to expect to PR. Do you agree? The course map is up on NYRRC if you want to take a look. I was curious to hear what you thought about it 🙂
Hey yourself. I know the course, it’s basically the same as the Manhattan Half. Where do you usually run? What’s the terrain like? The hills in Central Park are demanding but certainly not impossible. Have you done hill training or regularly incorporate hills into your long runs? If so, I think you have a chance at a PR. The MORE race is a great event, very affirming. You will come away feeling proud. Good luck! Wish I was going to be in town to cheer on the ladies!
“Girl in a Box,” Blake Babies, “Master of Puppets,” Metallica.