Running Stupid

Today I ran more stupidly than I ever have before.  (The comment box at the end of this post is no longer available).  Actually, no.  Today, I actually realized I had been running like a blind idiot.  Seriously!  For about a month now, I've been running the Creeper Trail a few days a week.  In one of my earlier posts, I even noted that the way back took me longer than the way out.  I supposed I had slowed down the pace some.  Today, I ran 2.5 miles out.  It took me 'til a bout three quarters of a mile to catch my stride and pick up the pace, but once I did, I felt great!  I felt like I was flying.  At 2.5 miles, when I turned around, I immediately felt like I hit a brick wall.  My thighs were burning, I felt like I was running up an escalator.  At 3 miles, I wanted to just stop.  I couldn't figure it.  I kept thinking "*WHAT* is going on with me?" 

Well *GUESS* what was really going on.  Just Guess!  I WAS RUNNING UP-HILL!!  And allll this time, I just thought I was running fast for part of my runs and slow the other part!  *STUPID!*  No wonder I felt like nuclear forces were against me.  I know, I know, you think, "how can you Not realize you're running uphill?"  Completely valid question.  You see, it's just BaReLy uphill, but constant, and you have no contour to compare the path against, because you're in this beautiful wonderland of trail and trees.  I was running along trying to figure this out and all the sudden realized all those times that I've biked the trail, they tell you that the most popular part of the trail to bike is from White Top to Damascus because from Damascus to Abingdon is uphill.  And THEN I suddenly realized why all those people coming towards me on bikes when I just get going are out of breath and look exhausted.  It's not just cause they're out of shape big dummy!

Psshhh.  And to top it all, I was really pushing myself for the entire run today.  On the way back (after I realized I was running uphill) I was really pushing myself and felt like I had a good pace and was going strong.  Out of nowhere, this guy wearing a VISOR (no, not a fancy running visor but a dumb frat-boy visor) just smokes me.  The guy didn't even look like he was in shape.  He was running in a golf visor people!

Today's run was humiliating all the way around.  Sad, sad day for this Running Chic.  It's amazing I make it to work some mornings, really.  Note to self: the Creeper Trail is uphill from Damascus to Abingdon.  Smarty.