09.21.2008: 15.3 Miles

Distance: 15.3 miles
Time: 2:29

It's no big miracle that FJ and I survived today's run. Between the two of us we either fell or rolled our ankles five times. It's been a few hours since and I'm glad I'm not too sore at all. I guess FJ and I just weren't used to the terrain beyond the Elmer Smith bridge. I slipped while crossing a small creek and rolled my right ankle as we approached another creek on the way back. FJ rolled his ankle a couple of times too. Thankfully none of our mishaps were too serious.

Apart from that, it was a good run. I really didn't feel like doing 15 miles at the beginning, but by the time we were wrapping it up we both felt strong enough to do another three miles. We both whined with about a mile and a half left but ultimately finished strong.

Hopefully this week I can get in more runs. I ran twice last week and the goal this week is three weeknight runs. These runs will be important in case I'm not able to run this coming weekend. I'm helping my parents move and this may prevent me from running.

With about two months before the San Antonio Rock N' Roll Marathon, I'm getting back into the swing of things. I'm not in the shape I want to be yet, but I'm at least off my ass and running.

Getting Older All the Time

On Monday I turned 32, which--to me--sounds old. 32. It's no longer the cusp--I'm well in to my 30's, but ask any thirtysomething and they'll tell you they don't feel their age. What is 32 supposed to feel like anyway?

Instead of getting older I seem mired in immaturity. I'm not settled down, although I am seeing someone great at the moment. No marriage any time soon, nor kids. Not for a long time.

Much of the reason I don't feel 32 is that I'm far from settled into a career. I'm still making a pittance compared to what bankers my age (at least until Monday) are making. I live in a studio apartment and I'm continuously counting pennies. I suppose I'm not alone in this boat, but when I was younger, I always thought 30 was an age where everything has been figured out and life was just a matter of getting up every day. Thankfully that's not the case. I get up and wonder what new adventure awaits me. There's something disappointing about not figuring everything out by now, but at the same time the possibilities and opportunities that open up are thrilling. Eventually I'll feel like an old man. Heck, I'm already being treated like one. I cringe whenever anyone calls me "sir," but I'm also delighted that some people out there don't realize I'm 32. Most think I'm younger. Yay!

As for my celebration this year, it was low-key. The date just snuck up on me, and I couldn't come up with something fun to do that was also easy to plan. I hate planning big events, so I settled on a casual soul food dinner at Larkin's in Eagle Rock. I had a great time and enjoyed the company and the food. I hope everyone did too.

I am also happy to say that my 33rd year is off to a great start.

Raul Hasn't Been Running

Raul has been a lazy runner the last few weeks. I did run the San Francisco Half Marathon but with very minimal training, and I have been running with FJ, Andy and Katie on the weekends. This past weekend we ran 7 on Saturday and another 6 on Sunday, but even then my lack of training was evident. Those short runs wore me out. At the end of the Sunday run, Katie still had plenty of energy and I could barely keep up with her at the finish. In any event, I was hoping I would jump start my training this week. So far I've been unsuccessful.

In November I will be running a full marathon in San Antonio. I've been underperforming all year. No personal bests this year. I don't know what the conditions in San Antonio will be, but I am going to shoot for a 3:45. To do so, I will need to start putting in more miles and pushing my pace. With about 2.5 months left, I may have enough time to do so. I figure Mondays and Thursdays are good nights for running. I can probably squeeze in a short run either on Tuesday or Wednesday. Hopefully cooler weather will soon be upon us so I can't use the heat as an excuse. Knowing me, though, I'd likely use cold weather as an excuse too.

I, herefore, commit myself to training for the Inaugural San Antonio Rock N' Roll Marathon!