Superbowl Bar Crawl/Run. 14 miles.
Sorry to all of my readers for the missing entry from last weekend. Following some excrutiating shin pain, I took on full recovery mode. Rest, ice, low-impact cross training, lather, rinse, repeat…but I’m back and ready to attack.
Stats
- 14 miles!
- Some length of time that is really not important. I finished.
- Tune of Choice: Celtics vs. Magic, WEEI
- # of pee stops: 4
- Fun Count 1-10: 11
- Pain count 1-10: meh. no need to be a Debbie downer.
- Win count: INFINITE number o’ wins.
The plan:
After spending almost two weeks on injured reserve, I was thrilled to hit this long run (lie). My body was feeling great (lie) and I was excited about all of the giant snowbanks and knee-deep puddles (lie and lie).
Ok, so let’s be frank. I wasn’t looking forward to this. The fear of injury was more debilitating to me than the pain itself. I knew I’d need some way to get through this run in a motivating, fun and distracting way; thus, the “Superbowl Bar Crawl/Run” came to fruition.
I mapped a route that would take me through some of my favorite local bars/spots. In doing so, not only would I be taking pee breaks in familiar facilities, but it was Superbowl Sunday, so I knew there would be many a familiar face out and about to cheer me on.
First Stop: Mike’s Place. Mile 3.
This photo is pre-pee. I don’t urinate with the seat up, though I was thankful for a spotless facility.
Second Stop: Tony’s Pub. Mile 6.
Lots of familiar faces made for a motivating pee stop. Cozy AND clean… the mother of all baños.
Third Stop: Lazy Dog Sports Bar. Mile 8.5.
Old friends, a giant glass of H2O and some Celtics viewing. I didn’t even want to pee out of fear I’d miss out on all of the fun!
Last Stop: Lisa, Charles, Austin and Marcus’ House. Mile 11.
I love technology.
My text: “Lisa! I’ll be running by your house within the hour. Are you home? Can I stop by for a pee?”
Lisa’s text reply: “I’ll be home all afternoon. Come on by!”
And with that, I’d secured my final pee stop. I’d been running for 2-plus hours by the time I knocked on their front door… and my stench, I am sure, was nothing short of revolting, yet it didn’t stop Lisa from offering me a fresh pair of socks (mine were drenched) and a glass of cranberry juice.
Naturally, being the accommodating Italian that she is, she offered to have me for dinner; but with 3 more miles looming and the sun setting quickly, I knew my time was running out.
Problem solved! Lisa whipped out her elliptical machine (it really was too unsafe for me to run home under darkening skies with no clear sidewalks) and I finished my final 3 miles on high resistance. It might have been a blessing in disguise to my worn shins!
So, with a little creativity, I was able to finish in high spirits. The positive experience helped drive away my fears for future long runs. Next week, I have 16 miles with the team. This time, I am actually looking forward to it!
And the TEAM is looking forward to having you back at training this week!
Coach Rick
I missed your posting last week, but I’m glad you’re back. Your time off couldn’t have been more…uh…timely. As I’m about to hit the dr.’s office about a knee that has been causing me some considerable pain lately. Looks like it may be some time off for me! Boo!!
14 miles is fricken awesome. I love all the toilet pics. Classic. I don’t know why I never thought to map my route around places I could stop in for a pee. Guess that’s because they wouldn’t be too happy having my dog join me in the ladies’ room. Hmph.
Anyway, excellent job!
Best of luck to you! I am hoping for good news for you, as I know how disheartening an injury in the middle of training can be. Sending my best your way. Let me know how it goes!
Aww, you’re sweet. It’s actually not as bad as I thought…small hamstring injury. I’ll at least be able to run a little this weekend, if not my long run (was gonna be 11…ouch!). Best of luck this weekend on your 16!
Pingback: Tweets that mention Superbowl Bar Crawl/Run. 14 miles. « From 220lbs to Marathon Monday -- Topsy.com
Sheree, I know I’m late to the game, but since Rick profiled you this week I found you – and I’m loving your blog almost as much as I loved your company on last week’s run, which is to say, a lot. Keep it up, lady!
Hi Sheree!
I just read your story on Coach Rick’s blog and clicked over to yours (I am running this year for the MOS traveling programs). We actually have a very similar story…I started college at 210 and very unhealthy…mentally and physicially. Now, 8 years later (wow that’s a long time), I’ve rediscovered my love for running (and biking and swimming) and am training for my third marathon. I am so excited for you to be running Boston this year! It is am amazing, life-changing experience that just keeps you on the path to a happy, healthy and full life! I will not be at training tomorrow but I look forward to seeing you in a two weeks when the TEAM gets together again. Enjoy your long run tomorrow!