If you remember, Kyle and I are training for our first ever half marathon at the end of this August. Up until about the past 2-3 weeks, training has been going fantastic. I've hit 10 miles several times, my leg muscles were looking rock hard, and I was feeling very confident.
Notice however, I said up until the past 2-3 weeks. Packing, moving, and last week's heat wave have frankly destroyed our progress. It's unbelievable how fast you can get out of shape. But none of this was considered as we prepared for a pleasant Sunday jog.
We had no idea we were about to go on the RUN FROM HELL.
I should have known all bets were off when we stepped outside to discover an oppressive, humid heat.
I should have known all bets were off when I recognized we didn't pack enough water.
I should have known all bets were off when as soon as we arrived at the Jane Addams Trail, Kyle thought it was a good idea to rip the sleeves off his shirt and wear one of those said sleeves as a headband.
From the front it could just be your ordinary handkerchief.
The true story is told once he turns around.
A little hilarious? Yes. A lot embarrassing? Yes. Incredibly disconcerting? Absolutely. Kyle has since said he would like to do this with every t-shirt he owns. God help me.
Our run quickly went from embarrassing (Kyle) to dangerous (Whitney). It typical Whitney fashion, I was totally consumed with the beauty of nature around me, oblivious to where my feet were landing. Within 5 minutes from the start of our run I awkwardly stepped on a large walnut, thus rolling my ankle and going into a spectacular fall consisting of numerous somersaults. The scene concluded with intense pain, tears, a dusty body, and a sprained ankle.
Thinking that I could only consider myself a true athlete if I continued, I (unwisely) forced Kyle to go on a wobbly, gimpy 7 mile jog at the world's. slowest. pace. ever.
- Me running the entire time either swearing, crying, or baring my teeth like a rabid dog.
- Both of us nearly passing out from sheer exhaustion from being out of shape and in what we later found out to be a Heat Advisory
- All too quickly running out of water and contemplating drinking muddy pond water
- Not being able to get out of that damned sun and achieving that "burnt to a crisp" look
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| Weird tan lines? Check. Bright red coloring? Check. |
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| Excuse the ugly feet. Notice the swelling on my left ankle, OUCH! |
After this run and the past few weeks, I have to admit I'm very nervous about this half marathon. I hope we can pull it off and we never EVER have a run this awful again!
The highlight of our dismal experience? We met a cute little turtle friend along the way! And while you can't see it in the picture, it would appear our turtle wasn't having the best day either; he had a large crack in his shell.
I guess as the Turtle must already know and Kyle and I found out yesterday; you can't win them all, you can't win them all.
