It’s been 5 days of no running and I’ve gone from missing it to being totally used to it. I lie awake in bed thinking about the task at hand: a run. I’d considered it yesterday morning and decided to forego it.

Running didn’t seem like a good idea, even 4 days after my surgery. After examining my bruised boob in the mirror on Friday morning I decided to wait another day. Today, it looked a little better. The incision is clean and dry. It the area around that is discolored and bruised from the seams of my bra (which I have been instructed to wear 24/7 for a full month).

I decided that I would at least give the run a try. I’d committed to 5.5 miles in memory of Ryan Shay – run or walk, I’d get it done. I would try not to focus on my own loss but, if that came into my awareness, I’d try to see the healing that has taken place in these past months. And I’d pray for Ryan’s family to move towards healing (in their own time) as my family seems to be doing.

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Sunday, after logging my run, I felt a smattering of excitement run through my awareness. My planned workout was a little short, but I was satisfied with how I’d done.

The workout was originally scheduled to occur Thursday (after a day of rest) rather than on Sunday (after a long run). Sometimes, life requires a little juggling of workouts.

My warm up was 1.75 miles. Afterwards, I launched into the first of two 3 mile repeats. Garminia displayed my pace right on target however, the time for a complete mile on the track came out a bit slower than Coach Jeff had asked for. It was close enough for me.

I rested for 5 minutes prior to starting the next interval. The effects of yesterday’s long run came into play. I could feel the fatigue building with each lap around the track. I ran 1.25 miles on the track and decided that I’d run the long way home to finish off the repeat.

That was my initial thought but, as I headed in the opposite direction of home, my body began protesting louder. I stopped and thought hard.

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From my hotel room window it was evident that the sun was already retiring for the day. It’s been a series of long days. Tomorrow will be the worst day of all (starting at 0730 EST and retiring at 2300 PST). There was no doubt in my mind; I *had* to get my run in today. I quickly changed, strapped Garminia to my left wrist, and was out the door.

In the front of the hotel a chilly breeze sent a chill up my spine. I pulled my long-sleeve shirt from my waist and put it on. Then I walked toward the street to check out the streets. Everywhere I looked the sidewalk was packed with people. The streets were busy too. I imagined myself having to dodge in and out trying to get in the planned 5 mile run.

I stepped back and gave it some thought. That was when I spotted Adele. She was waiting for the DC After Dark Tour Bus. It sounded like a great way to see some of what we’ve been missing – anything would be more than I’ve seen during this trip. While I thought my run would remedy some of that, it wasn’t looking good.

Then, as Adele and I were talking, I saw a runner coming up the driveway. I excused myself and ran to tap him on the shoulder. I asked him how his run was and proceeded to tell me that he’d headed up the road to a park. The park was small (about 1/4 mile around) and he was dodging people the entire time. He was clearly frustrated. That’s when I knew that the treadmill was my best bet.

I stepped back and gave it some thought. That was when I spotted Adele. She was waiting for the DC After Dark Tour Bus. It sounded like a great way to see some of what we’ve been missing – anything would be more than I’ve seen during this trip. While I thought my run would remedy some of that, it wasn’t looking good.

Then, as Adele and I were talking, I saw a runner coming up the driveway. I excused myself and ran to tap him on the shoulder. I asked him how his run was and proceded to tell me that he’d headed up the road to a park. The park was small (about 1/4 mile around) and he was dodging people the entire time. He was clearly frustrated. That’s when I knew that the treadmill was my best bet.

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It was only noon in California and I was worn out. Of course I’d gotten up before 5 am to catch a flight to Dulles. By the time I arrived at my hotel in Arlington, it was closer to dinner than lunch. I’d had neither. And although I’d talked running on the plane with Lisa (my neighbor to the right), my plans for a easy 5 miler were quickly fading away.

I looked out my hotel room to view the foreign city. In the distance, I could see an enchanting brick building. I’d love to run there. But in the immediate area there were high buildings and an already darkening sky.

I perused the hotel services book. I was in luck; the hotel had a gym. According to the book, it was “newly renovated” and had “state of the art equipment.” I dug through my suitcase to find a 1/2 of a Powerbar (which should have been in my computer bag). After finishing it off, I ordered a shrimp salad and glass of Merlot. Then I caught up on my blog reading.

By the time I left for the gym, I was ready to run off some of my pent up worry and stress. I peered through the window and was surprised at the sight.

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