Archives for May 17, 2006

It feels good to get back in the swing of things again. I’m a bit off schedule, but my training is heading in the right direction. Today I braved some speed work. While I was a bit worried that Yassos would push my back into spasms again, I thought that mile repeats was just the workout for today.

I programmed my GPS watch to allow for a 1-mile warm-up, followed by four 1-mile repeats with 1/4-mile rests in between. I began my first repeat too fast. I didn’t want Yasso pace; I was shooting for a slower pace. I thought I’d start with just under 8:15/mile and then speed up by 5 seconds/mile with each interval. That was easier thought, than accomplished. After the 1st mile, I was running into a strong headwind. I barely hit my goal. The wind continued and I was realizing that this was hard. Perhaps Yassos would have been a better plan; I know that pace well, and I am accustomed to the shorter time period of each interval.

After I turned around things were much easier. I didn’t get the final splits from the watch yet, but every time I glanced at the pace it was registered well under 8:00/mile. Today’s run turned out to be a confidence building run – the run that helps me to know that I didn’t really LOSE fitness after all. I’m getting back up to speed.

I was asked to lead the Prayer of the Faithful for my Uncle’s funeral mass on Tuesday. Although I’ve come a long way in the past many years, I reminded my Aunt of my nervous giggling during my Grandparent’s 50th Anniversary Mass (over 10 years ago). It was not a small gathering. Our family events are huge with much representation of the clergy (as one of my Uncle’s is a preist). I giggled for 5 minutes straight during a simple 4-line prayer. Embarrassing! I figured they learned there lesson.

This time around, I wanted to do it right. I picked up my lines from my Cousin the night before at the wake. I read it – quietly, and out loud. I never felt quite ready though.

The morning of the event, my Dad called. He reported that he was in too much (physical) pain to attend the service. He would not be coming. I was disappointed and tried to remain neutral so that the rest of my day would to alright.

I went for a short (not so quick) run.

My run was mechanical, awkward, but effective. It cut into my beautifying time but helped me to get past it all. I finished the run ready to face the rest of the family and the inevitable questions regarding my Dad.

Later:
My presentation went well. No giggling and my one mistake went virtually un-noticed.
Ah, redeption.

“For those who could not be here today…We pray to the Lord”
Lord, hear our prayer.