Blouses, polo shirts, jeans...oh, the things you can run in!

I was running errands yesterday, walking along the Thames. In my ill state I kept looking longingly at all the runners going by. Lots of the usual suspects, but one guy wearing shorts and a t-shirt caught my eye. He didn't seem all that unusual but rather than the typical runner's track shorts + technical tee, he wore surfer shorts--like the kind you would wear to the beach--and an old cotton shirt with a "DM" shield across it. Danger Mouse, I guess??

Seeing Danger Mouse guy made me think about all the crazy things I've seen people run in. As runners, I think we see people running in strange things all the time, especially at races. Once I was on the Southbank when suddenly a gorilla ran past me! I thought I had imagined it, but then a few minutes later, it was followed by another, then another, then hundreds. It was surreal, but the occasional race number finally made me realize I had stumbled upon the Great Gorilla Run. In recent races I saw two guys running dressed as matadors (volunteers at the water stations kept shouting OLE! as they went by) and someone with a very large daffodil bouncing up and down on his head.

But as a girl who would spend all my extra pennies on the latest running gear, I'm always surprised by the things I see people running in just for everyday. Like guys in shorts and a polo shirt, looking like there were sitting on the sofa just a minute ago and thought, "I should go for a little run"...and then just got up and went running! And I recently stumbled on a blog called Jogging Jeans that--you guessed it--features people running (AND RACING) in jeans!

Jeans I can kind of understand since while uncomfortable, they are pretty indestructible. But this summer I saw ladies wearing lovely, lacy blouses when running, the kind you might wear to a summer party. And a few weeks ago I saw a girl wearing a very nice cardigan on her run, layered over the top of her t-shirt. I guess they both served their purpose of either keeping you cool or warm, but I'd worry about getting my nice clothes all sweaty and gross.

Nothing usually comes between me and my technical kit, but you know what? I really love seeing people running in random clothes. One, because I think people have a right to run in whatever makes them feel good...whether you're a fastinista or a jeans jogger. But more importantly it reminds me that running is something that anyone can do and that you actually don't need any special clothing or equipment to do it. These days even running shoes are optional! And this amazing inclusiveness is one of the reasons why I love running.

Who knows? Maybe one day I'll find myself in a pinch where I HAVE to run but have forgotten my running kit (sounds like a pre-race nightmare actually)....and you'll see me running reluctantly along the Thames in my Chuck Taylors and jeans. But I think me racing in a gorilla suit is more likely!

Oh no! I've forgotten how to run!

Today I ran for the first time in over a week. It's the longest break I've had in a while, brought on by a little traveling and an annoying cold. I'm not quite over my cold yet, but felt okay enough for an easy run.

I anxiously put on my running stuff and then dragged my feet for a bit, finding random things to do around the house. I was nervous about going out because I kept thinking....what if it hurts, what if it feels like it did when I just started running? What if I've forgotten how to run??

Sounds silly, I know. But for some reason I always feel that way after a break.

Maybe it's because...it took me so long to get where I am now. I ran for about a year before I attempted my first 10K, and 14 months before my first half marathon.

Maybe it's because...I took about 2 months off after my first half marathon, leaving me little time to prepare for my next race. I had to scramble a bit to get back up to speed. And it was tough!

Maybe it's because...I had to stop running for about 6 months after an injury. And when I did start running again it really was like starting from scratch. Almost like I'd never run before.

Maybe it's because...running, specifically improving and getting faster, has never been easy for me. It's been small steps all the way. And if I take a break, I might move two steps back after busting my ass just to move up one.


But eventually I did head out, and ran 3 miles along the seafront. Still feeling tired and going quite slow, I was happy to find that I DID remember how to run. As easy as putting one foot in front of the other. And while it wasn't how I felt a week ago, it felt great nonetheless.

I know that breaks from running will be inevitable, but I don't know if I'll ever stop worrying about it when it happens. But when it does, I'll remember how amazing it feels when I'm running at my best...because that is definitely something I can never forget. And worth the pain of trying to get there again.

The best-laid schemes of mice and (wo)men

So it's week 4 of my 7-week training plan. Instead of running 15 miles on the seafront right now, I'm blogging on the sofa in between sniffles and a few pathetic coughs. I keep asking myself, how in the world did I get here after my careful planning?

I did really well my first two weeks--hitting my pace targets, doing reformer pilates and lots of dynamic stretching. But the last two weeks I started to slide. Patchy training a few weeks ago when my hubs was on holiday. Then went to Glossop (yeah, I didn't know where it was, either) this week to visit a dear friend, only to return with a miserable cold! I thought this whole running thing was supposed to make me impervious to sickness!?

Could it have been 6 days since my last run, with only 3 weeks to go until the Poppy Half?!

Not only that, I'm struggling with TWO of my three "get in the best shape of my life" commandments! Eight hours of sleep a night has been okay. Not too hard to do when you're on a career break. But eating healthily? Not so bad when I'm at home but when I'm eating out with friends it's hard! I don't want people to think I'm being difficult! And drinking enough water? Sounds easy but I just don't think about it. Ever. Even when I keep a bottle full of water right in front of me.

So not the best start to my grand plan, and considering my ongoing obsession to run my next half in under 2 hours--and the fact that I probably need another day or two to recover from this cold--I'm starting to freak out a little bit. Will I be under-trained for the Poppy Half?!

Fear not, this is just a random freak out. So.... *deep breath in*

I'm going to relax and let myself recover from this cold, then ease back into my training. I'll start fresh with my "best shape of my life" commandments. And who knows, these last few weeks may have done me some good! Better to train too little than too much, right?

I'm sure this won't be the only time my cozy plans come crashing down, and besides....I simply refuse to be turned out!