I’m feeling flat. I lost the mental challenge of the long run. I’m exhausted and the energy cells are no longer operating. In other words, deflated, defeated, and defunct.
To be quite honest, it was difficult working up the excitement for this weeks 20 mile run. I took in the right amount of nutrition and prepared with water bottle and gels for the road. When I went to get my phone, it had no battery charge. Shane and I were going to be miles away from home with no means to contact Ted. NAKED! Since there was no way for him to track my route, I was obligated to leave a note mapping out my exact course. This was tough because, when Shane is with me, we go where ever my feet take us. I enjoy the mystery of the unknown route. At the end of the note was the request that Ted find us to make sure all was well. We never saw Ted. He got up late. I felt abandoned.
To add to the lack of enthusiasm for this run were the lasting effects of a very tough week. Family health concerns. I get scared when a family member is sick or not feeling well. We have a very tight family: my mother, father, and sister. All three are not only the dearest most loved people in my life but they are my best friends. I get very scared when health issues arise. Next, employee upsets. I don’t like upsetting our employees and I feel their pain. Their concerns weigh heavy on my mind. The other horrible event of the week: my email was hacked. This left me feeling embarrassed. All my contacts received SPAM. I’m sorry to all who got email CRAP from me. 
And one more little nasty that added to my lack of mental energy: I broke a favorite painted wine glass while playing with Shane in the house. YES – my own fault but still, I was upset about it. Anyway, back to the run recap…..
At 12 1/2 miles, Shane was dropped off at home and I ruefully went out to finish 7 1/2 miles on my own. My feet weren’t tired or achy. My legs were tired but more than anything else, my head was just not into it. It was a BEAUTIFUL morning and my body temperature was perfect, not hot, not cold. I knew, as I walked up that first hill, I was going to beat myself up about walking. Then I simply decided to just enjoy being outside for a total of 20 miles. If I walked the entire 7 1/2 miles, so be it (I knew I wouldn’t do that). The result was 7 1/2 miles at about a 10.2 pace. I walked the hills and ran down the other side. I looked for icy patches in the road to use as an excuse to walk a little more.
So I got 20 miles on my feet. They were junk miles, admittedly. Now I live with my lack of effort, my failure to endure the mental challenge of the long run. Greater determination will be on my side next time.
Bow Ties with Shrimp and Gorgonzola
Serves 4
- 8 oz. whole wheat penne pasta, cook according to directions.
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined – tails removed
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 12 – 14 asparagus spears, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 6 oz. mushrooms, cleaned and cut in half
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 15 oz. Fire Roasted Tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives
- 1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese
- 2 TBS fresh parsley
While you cook the pasta according to the directions on the box, rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 TBS of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Add the asparagus and onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and mushrooms, continuing to cook another 3 minutes.
Stir in the broth, tomatoes and olives. Allow to simmer at medium low for 5 minutes.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and simmer another 5 minutes or until shrimp turns opaque.
Stir in the penne.
Top with gorgonzola and parsley. Serve hot.
Are you training for any early Spring races? How’s the training going?
