Hanging Out

We've spent most of the weekend just hanging out, resting, catching up on the rest of the chores (like laundry), etc. It's been good. Lots of reading. Watching movies.

We watched Pan's Labyrinth. We were totally blown away by it. Loved, loved, loved this movie. The visuals were dreamy, magical, completely real. The story was so heartbreaking. We both just sobbed after the movie -- so tragic, but beautiful. I almost want to watch it again. But I'm not sure I could bear to, just yet.

Today I went for a run. (!!!) I was so proud of myself. I don't know how long of a run it was, but I know it was at least a mile (with some walking before and after, but definitely at least a mile of straight running). Which isn't much, but when you haven't really 'run' in a loooong time, it's a good start. I noticed towards the end that my body was starting to relax in the way it used to when I was training for the marathon. Of course, back then it always took until about mile 3 for me to relax. I remember thinking that 7 miles was the perfect length for a run. I can't believe that was me, thinking that!

Today's run brought up lots of old thoughts and feelings, all the encouraging thoughts I would use to keep myself going mile after endless mile. I remember how much I loved putting on my running clothes and going out for a nighttime run. I would imagine myself crossing the finish line of the marathon, over and over. I would imagine the feeling of accomplishment when I first ran 10 miles, 15 miles. I remember when I ran 8 miles, and I was astonished; I'd never run that far before.

My old knee injury kicked up, of course. And my back hurt (like it always does when I'm starting to run again). Apparently, I'm getting old. But it was fun, and I actually enjoyed myself enough to think that I'll keep at it. I've run, on and off, since high school. I know I can do it. I have incentive; Erin and I (and Terri, if her back cooperates) might train together (long-distance) for the Bay To Breakers race next May. I have more incentive than that: a strong body. Stress relief. Fun. More energy. Etc.

Running that marathon was such a huge accomplishment for me. I'd like to do another one. I don't know if my body would let me, but it would be fun to do one again. Or use the running to train for something else. 10ks are fun. But I loved the long runs. It was the type of endurance thing that somehow I enjoy. Of course, I could just set goals for myself that don't have anything to do with races. There's so many pretty runs around here. I could just choose different 'difficulties' to train to overcome. Also, there's no reason for me to run more than 10 miles at a time.

(notice how I did that? I ran 1 mile today, and next thing you know, I'm running 10. I don't know whether to laugh or be encouraged.)

Well, who cares if I indulge in a little running fantasy? I could do it. I could train to run the Dipsea stairs (like I said, it's my fantasy, just let me have it...). I could train on San Francisco hills. I could run the Big Sur marathon.

...

Or, I could just try to run that mile again tomorrow. That's would be an excellent start. Um, right. Back to reality.

Anyway. An excellent long weekend. We are much rested, laundry is clean, house is shiny, books have been read, movies have been watched, mornings have been slept through. Perfect.

Now, where's that old San Francisco Running Guide?