It’s a little bit funny how I set out to incorporate a lot more cross training while preparing for Big Sur and then, when injury and illness necessitate running less, I feel like I’m falling WAY off-schedule. One need only look at my list of activities to see that I truly am not sitting on the couch. I am actually still training.

The other night, I did another session of lap swimming. I’ve mostly been focused on covering the goal distance but I’ve also begun playing around with some strong bursts in speed, working my legs by adding some time in my zoomers, and even testing out my ability to fly — which is A LOT easier with zoomers on.

I write this while still dripping in sweat from a indoor pedaling session on the bicycle trainer. Though I’ve yet to take my bike out on the road, I believe that I am at least partly preparing for some spring cycling. I am in fact hoping to be able to ride my bike to work (from YaYa’s school) at least a couple of times each week when daylight and scheduling allows.

The real test on my fitness, however, came yesterday when I set out to do a real honest-to-goodness “long” run. Due to a lack of foresight, my home was devoid of a proper pre-run breakfast but I made due. I hit the pavement fueled on a cup of coffee, a banana, and spoonful of peanut butter. I ran through a self check noting that my ankle felt fine, my breathing was unlabored, and running felt effortless. I hoped it would last.

Instead of the dirt trail, I opted for the paved trail and began greeting everyone I passed with wave and a cheery hello (as I usually do). Much to my surprise, today, nearly every greeting was returned. It was a nice surprise.

After a bit, I began recognizing people from the various organized training clubs/groups who have recently visited the running store for their season kick-off discounts. It was fun to see the faces light up of those who recognized me in return.

There were even those who I didn’t actually recognize who seemed know me. One guy in particular, actually said while standing mid-trail in a sort of out-of-breath manner. “I know you from somewhere.” Not wanting to be rude, I stopped. “Perhaps the running store,” I suggested. “Nope….but I’d know those eyes anywhere. What pace do you run? Maybe we’ve run in a race together.” This was when I laughed on the inside thinking (but not actually saying,) “Dude, you know my pace because I passed you a while back and am now catching you again while heading back.”

I can’t remember where the conversation when from here but I bid him good luck in his training and left him to the gals he’d been running with. He seemed to think that they were running “30 miles” or so. They were shooting for 14-15 miles; I guess when you’ve pushed to run 6 miles, anything over 10 seems like forever.

I, myself, ran 15 miles but you can think it of as 30 miles if you’d like. The cool thing is, I didn’t even feel like I needed to supplement with GU. My morning breakfast, sips of Sustained Energy, and friendly greetings fueled me the entire way.