It’s a “Girl thing”

In August my radio station was talking about women and their preferences. The male DJ did not believe that women would actually want a digital camera over a new diamond necklace or $4000 shoes. I cannot even imagine spending that kind of money on shoes. What a waste.

I’m not a tom-boy, but I am also not your stereotypical female. I don’t like to go shopping. I hate malls. I want to get in, go directly to the store that I need something from, and get out. I hate the crowd, the closed in feeling, the lighting. I hate the commercialism and my kids wanting everything that they have seen advertised on TV, or by some other child. I am also someone who would rather have a nice new digital camera then some fancy purse or name brand shoes. Perhaps even over the diamond necklace.

I am usually most comfortable in jeans or shorts, without make-up, and my hair pulled up in a ponytail. But every once in a while I feel dumpy if I am caught in a crowd of dolled up women. I can only take so many bad-hair days.

On Saturday, our neighbor’s had their yearly party for little Connor’s Birthday. He is now 4 years old. By the time Sunday arrived, I was still tired from the party. We weren’t up late, and I only had one alcoholic drink. Perhaps it was the all day in the sun thing, or perhaps it was feeling “dumpy” amongst a crowd of beautiful young women. They were welcoming and friendly, as always. In fact, many were in awe of me for my running. It was all in my head. But it was nothing a little green drink couldn’t ease.

Early Sunday morning, Tom nudged me and said, “Weren’t you going to go running.” Perhaps it wasn’t *that* early; it was about 7 am. Getting up early *was* the plan, but I was tired. I reluctantly got out of bed and make my way to the bathroom, only to discover my body’s way of reminding me that I am a woman. *sigh* That was probably the culprit of the “dumpy” feeling.

I am not usually paralyzed by monthly cycles. Today, however, I wondered if I would have issues with it. I contemplated spinning in the bicycle and doing my 12 miler on Monday. It was a silly consideration. What would I do if it were race day? A few trips to the bathroom later, I stumbled out the door….and then back in for Garminia…and again for my fuel-belt with water. It was going to be a LONG run if this kept up.

I started out slow, and kept reminding myself that this was my supposed to be a “long, slow run” even thought he mileage is still easily managed. After the 4 mile mark, I made another bathroom stop. Everything was okay. I relaxed a little, and just listened to my music.

The number of people on the trail was beginning to pick up. I was now seeing the faces of the runners who had passed me early on as they were making their way back. They were the lean men with what most consider the “runner body.” They were really moving.

Soon it was my turn to head back. I turned around at the 6 mile mark (or where it used to be painted on the wooden bridge). After about a mile, I was feeling the urge to pick it up. I wanted the run over with. I switched my music to the Nike Drive: Crystal Method playlist and let the music take me.

I manually clicked the lap button at each mile and watched the pace magically pick up. I didn’t feel winded, but was progressively going faster and faster. By the last two miles, I was running 7:40/mile pace.

Back home, I spent some extra time blow drying my hair. I put on my comfy sundress…and began to clean up around the house. *sigh*