Early Morning (Sun)Rise

I miss running around this. I love waking up at 6 am during the summer and running outside as the sun is rising. I've never felt so rejuvenated at peace. It's runs like that that keep me running through the winter. But alas, my friends, I think those days are over for now. As much as I would prefer to run outside, I really don't enjoy running in the dark and so, winters = long, meditative, repetitive runs on the treadmill. I savor the weekend afternoons for the outdoor daylight.

I woke up yesterday morning and I thought that jarring sound coming from my phone was a cruel joke. That someone (not sure who this would be) reset my alarm to me to go off at 2 am. But I rolled over and grabbed my phone, spiteful as my finger jam pressed the off button to realize that indeed, it was 6:15 am. I sleep with my window open all winter. To most reading this blog, this must sound befuddling. I am always cold, why would I do such a thing? Well, I like the fresh air. But oh, at 6:15 am was it chilly and my blanket felt so comfortable. I knew that I had to get out of bed though or else I wasn't going to get my run in. I'm trying to maintain a schedule similar to my 10k training plan between now and December 3 when the REAL marathon training begins. My brain and my body both work better in the morning, but damn, can it be difficult. 

Luckily I've got the routine down. The night before I lay out my gym clothes and pack my work clothes in my back pack that way I can literally roll out of bed, brush my teeth and I'm out the door and one of 5 people on the T heading into Boston. I chomp on my granola bar and instead of trying to read my book, I find myself focusing on staying awake. Pages are always read in the morning and reread in the afternoon for clarity.
 

By the time I got to the gym I was ready to go and so thankful I  got my butt out of bed. Sitting at a desk all day is the best motivation for physical activity in the off work hours. It never ceases to amaze me. 8 minutes on the treadmill and I feel awesome - like I can run forever (as long as i'm not sprinting (!) those days are hell)! I was nervous because I forgot my ipod and who can imagine running 5 + miles on a treadmill sans music?! not this kid... but for once, it was kind of nice. While it didn't compare to the sound of the leaves crackling beneath my sneakers, or the birds singing, or the sun rising over the reservoir like my morning sunrise runs in the summer, I was able to focus on my breathing and felt the pouncing of each stride. The sound of feet along a treadmill takes on a rather meditative song which yesterday, felt more musical to me than does the sound of Milkman or Girl Talk mashups that I usually rely on.  I felt very focused and energized. 5.55 miles and 50 minutes later, I decided that "5" was the lucky number of the day. Nothing came of it... but I felt pretty darn good. And you want to know what felt even better? The extra peanut butter on my breakfast to refuel my longer weekday run :)

On a quick side note, but nonetheless exciting and important, I have not only reached the minimum fundraising amount of $4,000 for LLS, but I have exceed my personal goal of $5,000! I absolutely cannot believe the amount of support I have and how generous everyone has been! I found out today that 100% of every penny raised over the minimum goes directly to the (very important) missions. So from here on out, every dollars takes on an even bigger value. Pretty cool, eh?