Pet Peeves

I used to be amused when my grandfather would get angry at people for things that happened when he was out cycling. However, I find the more I run, the more others piss me off too. I'm not a holier-than-thou runner. I understand that it's my choice to run through the city. However, there are some things that are simple courtesy and the following individuals are NOT courteous.

1. Men who yell “Hey [insert any of the following]” or whistle or beep their horn while I'm running past them.

· Baby
· Baby cakes
· Sweetheart
· Sugar
· Mama
· Shorty (which is not only offense, but simply ironic)
· Miss Thing
· Pretty lady

Very classy. I get so turned on by men who shout derogatory, chauvinistic names at me. FYI, I’m not running to get your attention. I run to get stronger, so that the day you dare get out of your car, I can kick your butt.

2. People that walk side-by-side on a small sidewalk and won’t budge when they see me running towards them, forcing me to run into a sign post, the street or someone’s yard. (Yeah, I’m talking to you so-young-in-love couple! The world will not end if you stop holding hands for 2 seconds!!!)

3. Also, people that walk in the middle of the sidewalk (even after turning around to see me) forcing me to run into oncoming traffic or the dog poop in someone’s yard.

4. Pittsburgh for not putting up those crosswalk timers I saw in Vegas that let you know how long you have before the light turns red (ok, I’ve seen maybe one here). It would be helpful at those times when both lights are red for an extended period of time, and I’m standing there like an idiot. It’s lots of fun when you’re finishing a long run and don’t want to continue after stopping for what seems like hours.

5. Drivers that hurry to make their turn ahead of me even if I have right-of-way at the intersection or arrived at the stop sign first (especially the one that had the nerve to beep at me!). You’re sitting in the comfort of the air conditioning in your car. I just ran 5 miles in humid, 80 degree weather. Please don’t slow me down. I just want to get home so that I can die in the comfort of my home.

6. Old people that comment on me running around “naked” in my sports bra. It covers more than my bathing suit. Believe me, I’m not trying to be a hussy as the salt builds up on my face and bugs stick to sweat all over my body. I don’t even have boobs. I should technically be allowed to around without a shirt or bra.

My furthest distance ever!

I ran 14 miles yesterday per my training schedule, and it rocked! I ran a little through the city, so I had to stop occasionally for cars, but didn't walk or stop other than those brief moments. I kept a good pace and never felt like I wouldn't be able to finish. I ran better than the half marathon in '06! I've had some tough runs lately, and days like yesterday prove to me that I may be able to do this after all.

I was going to experiment a little with energy gels, but didn't feel the need. I took a bottle of water with me, and it lasted until mile 11. I also bought a bottle of Gatorade at the bike stop around mile 11, which gave me the extra umph I needed to finish well.

I ran along the Eliza Furnance Trail (aka Jail Trail), over the Smithfield Street bridge, past the Hot Metal Bridge on the Station Square/South Side trails to a creepy point in the middle of nowhere and back the way I came (although it was very tempting just to hop on the Hot Metal Bridge on the return trip). I'm impressed with how they are improving and expanding these trails. The Jail Trail has a little bike rental where you can buy drinks, a water fountain and a "misting station." Very nice for those days when I get out of bed later than desired and am running in the heat of the day.

my route

(view actual route under "Favorite Runs" in the navigation bar)

Friends of the Riverfront is a great resource for information on these trails. You can also request a printed version of this Three Rivers Heritage Trail map from the site.

the beginning of my running blog

"If you ever get a second chance in life for something, you've got to go all the way."
- Lance Armstrong

When I registered for Chicago, the divorce was already in motion. I was looking for apartments and knew that my life would never be the same. Rather than become a hermit or wallow around in self-pity (I do both, but I have much less time for either now), I wanted something to look forward to, something to motivate me while I would go through the most trying time in my life so far (I didn't even know the worse of it then).

I underestimated how much help running would be as I began this new journey. Having nothing to do but think for hours at a time have forced me to work out issues in my head. Each mile I shed fears and sweat out frustrations. Each mile I achieve a clearer sense of who I really am. Each mile I realize that I am a strong woman -- stronger than I ever imagined. Each time my feet hit the ground, I run away from my old insecurities towards a better me.

I may not qualify for Boston. Heck, I know I won't qualify for Boston! But I'm not running this race to set any PRs. I'm running because the simple act of running makes me believe that life is good and worth the uncertainties that go with it. As I go through the training process, I hope to share some of my personal struggles and victories in this blog.

Here is the link to the training schedule I am following if you're interested. Week 8 begins tomorrow.

A special thanks to Kate for suggesting me replace the old with the new. :)