I’d had plans to run in the Open Space Preserve, but these plans were abruptly abandoned with a simple phone call. My brother, Robert, was in town doing some handy-man work and needed a place to stay. I couldn’t just leave him to fend for his breakfast.
His overnight stay had a single complication – his cell phone and a single missed call left his phone calling to him every few minutes. The “beep” was followed by either a growl or a bark from our dog. I couldn’t find the phone without waking Robert, and the only way to quiet the dog was to take him downstairs. I slept (almost) on the couch and verbally comforted the dog after each “beep.”
By the time morning hit, I still felt the need for some sleep. I woke Robert, prepared us oatmeal and coffee for breakfast. After my brother was en route to his next job, I got in the car and drove to the paved bike trail instead. On the way, the sky opened up and the rain began pouring down. *sigh* Wonderful.
But aside from not wearing a jacket, or having gloves, my run was fine. The beeps that I heard along the run were music to my ears as it was nothing more than Garminia signaling another mile passed. For most of the run, the rain was light. When my hands began to chill, I pulled some poop-bags, from the dispenser on the trail, and used them to keep my hands warm. I was proud of my resourcefulness. It confirmed that my mind was still working despite the sleep-challenged night.
Another modification that I have recently made was to abandon the use of my old orthotics. I began using SOLE heat-moldable Custom Footbeds three runs ago. I am hoping that they will be the solution to my feet problems as I have lost confidence in my podiatrist. Being able to complete today’s 12 mile run without any issues was a good sign. *knock on wood* So far, my feet are holding up and I have no new blisters.
Good job on the long run with lack of sleep. Glad you’re doing better.
this is great news, juls! love the visual of the blue bags on your hands =)
Good news on the feet! Bad news about the “Beep” :-) Sometimes you just gotta go with what you think is right.
My husband’s keeps his phone on the dresser and it beeps when he gets an e-mail. I know how your dog feels: when I’m in bed, I growl every time it makes noise!
REI has some insoles where they mold it to your feet. They cost about $80, but they claim it’s a better fit than the kind you put in the oven and mold yourself.
Do you have any marathon plans for this year?
As for the lack of sleep, the run did the trick to wake me up. I feel fine now. I did ask Robert to turn his phone to silence they next time he comes. He totally understood. :)
As for the poop-bags, Jeff and Lori weren’t the only ones laughing. The bags at the park were black (rather than the standard blue), so they didn’t stand out as much. But since I am a waver (I wave my hand at everyone that I pass), the bags were noticed by all.
To Dori, I got these insoles at REI for $45. It seems like I have spent so much in failed insoles lately. It’s a good thing that I love my feet so much. I have to treat them well – I am already signed up and training for the La Salle Banks Chicago Marathon (October 7, 2007)!
Chicago can get a bit chilly in October. Bring lots of poop bags!
This really belongs under your more recent post but there isn’t a comment button. I find that insomnia or sleep-lacking nights become more common as we get older. I used to fight it and now I just go with it and use the time to read, write or contemplate my next big move.
These last few posts are taking an interesting twist. I hope you are able to get some rest tonight.