I didn’t run even one time in June or July until today. I was busy riding my bike as much as possible; getting ready for the big Seattle to Portland ride. Now that the ride is done and life is back to normal, it is time to return to my routine of running, swimming, and biking. I didn’t swim yesterday. I’m not 100% sure how much swimming I want to do now that the pool is full of kids all the time. But I knew I had to run today.

The impending run was intimidating. While I was off training on my bike, my brother continued to train. He even ran 12 miles one day. I haven’t ever gone that far. My boss started running and has become amazingly fast while I’ve been on my bike. I wondered if I could even run at all after this much time off. It was really getting to me. I didn’t even sleep well last night, knowing that I had to run at least a little today.

I finally suited up and set out slowly. I thought I would go backwards through the 56 bike trail and then up El Camino. but I actually felt kind of good as I started, so I turned it into my regular 10k route along Del Mar Heights Road instead.

I was going slow, but feeling really hot. I was sweating like crazy and kept thinking I may be getting sun burned. At the 5k turn-around I didn’t wait long. I turned and started back, thinking I may even get a good time on my 10k. But then I was dead. I couldn’t run another step. My heart rate was fine. I wasn’t even that hot anymore. My legs were gone. I had no choice but to walk (or so I convinced myself). At least I would get my distance in.

And so I allowed myself to walk home. I ran 3 and walked 3. Next time I’ll have to do better.