February 18th, 2008
I hardly know where to start, but because today is a huge milestone in my running life, I’ll begin with that.
One year ago today I bundled up in my new wind pants with pantyhose underneath, 2 longsleeve t-shirts, windbreaker, headband, gloves and spankin’ new running shoes to walk down to the park where I did this twice: 30 seconds walk, 30 seconds jog, 3 minutes walk, 3 minutes jog.
And that was the start of my love affair with running.
It’s exactly a year later and while I would love nothing better than to commemorate this powerful anniversary with a long, crazy run on what happens to be a freakishly warm day, I am instead sitting here in a nightgown at 4 in the afternoon, nursing the flu after having just bid farewell to the last of my weekend houseguests. And I am incredibly happy.
On the scale of life-affirming moments, my love for running was just about eclipsed this weekend when I looked around our apartment on Saturday night and saw our beautiful collection of friends from all different factions, deep in pockets of conversation and laughter and having a great time with each other.
I can’t tell you how lucky I felt during the night, as one-by-one, different friends approached me to say, “I love your friends, they’re so cool” to which I’d reply, “I know, you’re one of ‘em.” I swear, it happened at least 8 times.
So the party was a success beyond my hopes, everyone had a blast and even the bout of flu I’m dealing with has a silver-lining – I didn’t have much of an appetite all week so I’ve lost a few pounds which I wanted to do for racing anyway, so the gifts keep comin’. 
I haven’t been sick like this in, well…ever, so I’m not going to hurry it, but I hope to get out for a run on Wednesday. In the meantime, I’m happy to remain housebound, contemplating friendship, a future of running and the joy that is my life.
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Congratulations on your year running!
Thanks, Bruce!
A year already. Wow. Congratulations, Flo!! And look how far you’ve come. In comparison, my progression line looks rather linear. :P
I’ve been anxiously awaiting your party report and have an ear to ear grin for your success. You rock, from my point of view, and I’m way over here. I can’t imagine what extra goodies of you your friends know. Those are some lucky peeps!!
I do wish you well soon. I always say how much I take health for granted when I come back from being sick. So take care of yourself, and enjoy the lazy lounging.
Thanks sweetie, I appreciate the congrats and sympathy, though I can see this is going to be a few more days at least. Trying not to think of things like lost fitness quite yet, but it’s starting to weigh a little.
Cheer up Oh Speedy One! You’ll bounce back with a new spring in your step once your feeling better im sure of it!
Congrats on one year of running! ITS an amazing transformation for you and im so happy to have been witness to some of your races and your progress!
Glad to hear your weekend bash was such a rousing success. Im sure it didnt help your health much to be drinking and cavorting all weekend but it sounds like you had a great time so thats what matters! Life is for LIVING!
And also like you said a few pounds lighter should make you a few more seconds faster per mile so when your healthy let it RIP!! WOOHOO!
Thanks, Mattsky! The lost weight is my saving grace, every time I feel really sorry for myself, I go in the bathroom and look at my new trim gut.
I’m such a freak, lol.
Flo:
Sorry to hear that the bug has you, but at the same time, happy to hear of your successful party and ever growing list of friends. (I am sure at least one of those comments referred to me). Don’t worry about the lost fitness, it will only affect you for the first run or two, then you will be stronger than ever, and BTW, we love freaks!!
LOL, Tobey, yes, your ears were surely burning that night as I would definitely count you among the cool kids. I’m feeling a little better today, less coughing fits so that’s good. Crossing fingers that Saturday might be my magical return to running day.
LOL, I can’t remember the last time anyone called me cool, or a kid!