Runners in my life have long suggested that I drop by the neighborhood Fleet Feet, a store devoted to running where you can test run shoes on a treadmill and purchase all necessary (and unnecessary) gear. The store also hosts groups for runners at all levels, providing an easy way into the running community. I tried to follow their advice, but as it turns out in Manhattan (where I had been living for the last six years), due to an over-saturated market, there are no Fleet Feet stores to be found.
But there is one in Baltimore.
We went to the running group on Thursday, a day that I previously may have deemed too cold to be outside. With the windshield, it felt like it was in the 20s. I could hear my previous self questioning what sane individual actually chooses to exercise outside in this weather. But running ten miles the first weekend in April won't be possible by just wishing and hoping it goes well (I've tried that strategy before) and while my schedule remains unhampered by the responsibilities of employment, I recognize that I should take advantage of it.
At this location, they run/walk in these groups. I took the slower of the two groups--running for two minutes, walking for run. We did this for 4.1 miles. It was surprisingly manageable. I actually finished the run not feeling disappointed, but slightly energized. That feeling may have been a first.
The run/walk concept violates my promise to run all ten miles in the Cherry Blossom. However, it builds a foundation--in distance and perhaps even confidence--to continue.
Time: 51 minutes
Place: Pikesville Neighborhoods
Weather: Kinda Windy, 33 F
Distance: 4.1 miles
Feeling: That wasn't awful!
Overall grade: B
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