Ever notice?

Running aint pretty. I know some of you may disagree with me. You're thinking of the smooth paced runner who looks like they're floating on the surface of the pavement. Or maybe you're thinking of the great bodies that grace the covers of running magazines. I am not that runner. I am the hair filled and dripping with sweat, knees knocking together, ankles scraping the opposite calf, gasping for oxygen, looks like they might trip themselves (oh wait, I've done that) kind of runner. My thighs don't look like I run. My calves might a little, maybe it just hasn't moved up the line yet. But that's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about the after effects of running. Not just the sweaty, stinky clothes that you have to peel off. (My husband asked me if I was going to have to cut my clothes off a couple of weeks ago...uh hum...I did not.) Not the limping around like you're a cripple or laying with ice on your knees either. I'm talking pure vanity here. Running has not been kind to me. And I have the tan lines to prove it. It's not just my shirt lines or my short lines that look ridiculous in a swimming suit (not that I've been brave enough to even put one on yet this "summer") but it's the shoe line that really gets me. I was in my cute skirt walking over to church in my cute little sandals when I look down to admire my toenails that are so cute and I get a glimpse of my lovely tan line. Not so cute. I might as well have been wearing my running shoes with my cute little skirt. I looked ridiculous. I know what you're thinking. Just sit out in the sun with your shoes off for a few hours and problem solved. O.k. maybe. But this is what really gets me. I have a tan mustache. Yep. I get it every year. For some dumb reason I tan right above my lip darker than anywhere else on my face. I even started this spring by putting sunscreen ONLY above my lip. Didn't help. I still got it. I try to use cover up under my make up on my upper lip. But it eventually wears off. I am totally aware of how vain this is and how unimportant it is in the scheme of the universe. But still. A tan mustache? Come on!

Now before you think that I've totally lost it...I haven't. You see I know I'm going to get these crazy tan lines and I still choose to run. Guess I don't care as much about my appearance as I thought. Truthfully, I am so grateful to be able to run. When you're injured you really get grateful and I'm trying to remember even though I'm not. The ability to run is something that should never be taken for granted. It might not always be fun. It might be hard. There might be setbacks and progress may not always be what we want it to be. But the simple motion of putting one foot in front of the other is a blessing. Running doesn't take any special talent. There's not too much coordination involved. Just one foot in front of the other. But what a blessing. So many are not able to do that simple motion. I'm so grateful for the chance to experience the exhilaration of feeling the pavement beneath my feet and the motion of moving forward. I really love to run.

Last week:

Tues. June 9th- 5 1/2 miles hills

Wed. June 10th- 6 1/2 miles fast

Fri. June 12th- 6 1/2 miles fast

Sat. June 13th- 8 1/3 miles

Taper time!

Mon. June 15th- 3 miles

Wed. June 17th- 2 miles