Day 4

June 19, 2009

1 mile - 14.2 min.

It felt pretty good. I almost felt like a runner there for about a second. It was a great feeling. Next week I start running 2 miles a day.I feel like I am holding back though. Thinking back today about all of the races/runs I have done I realize that I am afraid I won't be able to finish if I run too hard before the end.

Whenever I hear my shoe scrape on the pavement I am afraid I will fall. The pavement is really uneven and I have to watch my feet the entire time I am running. (See my story.) I have always watched my feet. It helps me concentrate.The first 10K I ran, I didn't know how far it was, I didn't know anyone around me, I was afraid of getting lost so I ran with the first person who looked like they knew where they were going, and I just wanted it to be over. I was a wimp when I was 15, everyone who knows me will agree.

I could go through a list of what ifs, but I won't waste my energy. Instead, I will write about today's run.

Yesterday I wrote that it is educate to say hello, good morning or hi to other runners. Well, today I think I broke that rule. There were some girls coming toward me that had stopped. They were on the other side of the street. When I got right up to them, if you could say that, and they started running. The sun was in my eyes and I didn't realize the sin I had committed until I was a few steps behind them. Should I turn around and yell? No, I was barely walking/running as it was.

Back when I could actually run, I would think of the song "Foot Loose" to keep my rhythm. I can't run with an I-pod unless I am in a race because I am afraid I won't hear a car coming. (Once again afraid.) Anyway, today I was thinking of "Ode to Joy." I guess I need to pick up the pace.

If you look up my name like this: "sheila+binggeli" on Google you will come up with about 60 hits. There is another girl in TX that has my name. (Weird) But, you will find some of my races and the times. It's pretty cool actually.Half way through my run there is an uphill that is maybe 300 meters long. When I was running before I never realized how steep it is. It is HUGE. Well, not really, only when you are weak and feeble. :) LOL

Today I saw a smashed Sprite can. (I ran too early for commuters.)