Training Day 83

Language: I dabbled. Then I ran into one of my teachers out in town.

Marathon: Woo! Today was my first run with my new running club and it was amazing. I kicked it off at 0715 and didn't stop running until 1035. At first I really didn't know how far or how fast I was going to run but, after trying out a couple of groups, I fell in with a lady runner and decided to see just how far I could push myself. Besides running a full 20 (!) miles at about 10 minutes per mile, I realized two truths about runners:

They are generally some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Everyone I met was extraordinarily polite and helpful. I was running (literally) up to perfect strangers and engaging in conversation. Some of it was quite interesting and meaningful... For example, the lady I wound up running with is pursuing her Master's in international negotiation specializing in narcotics enforcement. Yeah. That's awesome. She also gave me a power bar, some of her sports drink, this weird post-race stuff to help me feel better, lots of good pointers (such as turning my feet in to give myself a break on hills and the benefits of power walking at certain points), and her number if I have any future questions.

I know a few of you are snickering at the idea of my having a lady's number. Let me assure you that as she is not only dating a Naval officer but is leaving in five weeks, that number is only for running help. Still... To meet a perfect stranger and chat for a good three hours is no small feat, I think.

Runners are also some of the most attractive people I've ever found. Seriously. There was one woman who I would have pegged at late 30s or so... Nope. She was in her 60s. You could tell she was aged, sure, but she was still attractive. I guess that is what happens when you take care of your body the good old-fashioned way: Eating right and making it work! Then all the ones who were closer to my age (as opposed to my grandmother's)... Yeah.

Anyways... At the end of it all walking was extremely painful but I felt good. I pushed myself a full six miles longer than my previous running time under less than optimal circumstances. I pushed myself through not one but three cramps in my calves. Now I need to taper off to prepare for the marathon in three weeks but if I could add six miles today then I can definitely add six miles for the marathon. For the marathon I'll be loaded with the right chow and properly hydrated too.

I feel alive!

Personal: So I ran a bunch of errands today. Ho-hum. Then the Momrine invited me to her house to hang out but I went out with a couple Marines instead. It started as my giving one a ride to the commissary to pick up some rice. We met another Marine there (who is absolutely adorable... she's like the little sister of my platoon) then we all went to one of the local Asian markets and raided their snack supplies. I picked up some sodas that the Hooah really likes as the store easily had two or three dozen.

But not before taking a cellphone picture and mocking her with the "only" soda that I "drank."

After the market raid we went to a restaurant. Poor guy... My friend was totally chowing down. I felt daring today and ordered fish. Then re-learned that this particular style of cuisine doesn't believe in deboning the fish. I wasn't too keen of the mass of bean sprouts or the sauce either. The adorable Marine didn't much like her tofu. The appetizer was awesome, fortunately, and the food did smell really good. I'll probably go back later.

Then it was back to base (after an unsuccessful hunt for a Wii) to wrap up some more personal stuff.