A rare Perfect Day at the office
While I did not "have" to run today and certainly not before work, I did have to be at work precisely at 8:30am. Somehow, I managed to get up early enough to get a 4 mile run in with plenty of time to get ready for work, have a light breakfast and still get to work at exactly 8:31 am. I was delayed a little bit coming into the front door by co-workers who wanted to know about my vacation trip.
I say that I didn't have to run because I'm between marathons and not really training for anything. I have about 3 weeks before Chicago Marathon training begins and I'm using the down time to get myself back into pre-vacation shape, especially working on my weight and muscle tone. I'm also trying to figure out which training program to use for what will probably be my last marathon.
Not trying to sound the drama alarm but this one will be number 20 and its a nice even number to end on. I've proven that I can do the marathon thing and since I'm not getting my BQ time or setting any new PRs, it is probably time to turn the energy to other neglected areas of my life. I won't say I'll never do another marathon, especially if my training goes well and I do set a new PR or BQ this fall. However, it's kinda like a couple that is trying to have a boy or girl, after a certain number of pregnancies, you gotta get the tubes tied.
Tonight I have a 5:30pm foot doctor appointment, one I hope to be my last. I don't know how I will make it from my last project to the doctors office on time, but that is the challenge of the day.
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It's been a long time since I've had to do that: On the way to the El station I sometimes stop in this diner for a cup of coffee. Not wanting to break my last $20 bill, I grabbed about two dollars worth of change from my car ashtray. When I was paying for the coffee, I was counting out the change, trying to avoid giving up quarters since I might need those for meters. The lady at the counter thought I didn't have enough money and said I could pay her tomorrow or whenever. What probably compounded the situation was that she asked me if I wanted a donut -- they have a coffee & dougnut deal -- and I turned it down.
I found it a little amusing but also remember that there was a time about a decade ago when I was counting my change, wondering if I had enough for a cup of coffee and train fare home.
