Can't Predict the Future
How I'm (Hopefully) Celebrating a Mile
I’ll have you know that I’m writing this a day earlier than I normally do. And with that being said, I’m predicting the future.
Something I don’t take lightly or for granted. I have NO idea what will actually happen on Thursday night, but I do know that writing a newsletter post AFTER my race is not one of the things that’ll be happening.
I’m good, but I’m not that good.
Over the years, I’ve found a lot of success - both at running and celebrating running. I’m particularly good at celebrating.
Hell, I even met my wife, Carly, while celebrating running. Yes, way back in 2011 after running a 15:36 5k at Adrenaline 5k in Haddonfield I went to a bar and lo and behold, met my wife.
*As an aside, I’m super proud of looking back and seeing I ran 15:36 for a 5k (5:00 pace). But I’m also a little bit disappointed for being 15th in a deep race when I know how hard I probably trained. It must have been a supremely good weather day because there were some really fast times (including the winner in 14:27) but also because of some of the people who beat me. I didn’t usually lose to contemporaries, so it must have been a good wake-up call to get with the program.
You might look at me saying I ran 5:00 pace and be put off (totally understandable) and say STFU, but in my defense, of which I really don’t have one, know that 2 years earlier I ran 14:43 on the same course. Father time sure did catch up with me quickly!
Back to celebrating…
I was really, really good at celebrating races, especially in high school and college. There wasn’t a party or gathering I didn’t want to go to after a race. Even as a post-collegiate, if I hadn’t gone to the 2011 Adrenaline after-party, I might still be single! In my mind, it was just what you did: you race, you celebrate.
I’ve written a lot about my thoughts on drinking alcohol as an athlete in other posts and the effects it has on recovery. I am a very firm believer that we can uncouple drinking with celebrations. We can go without if we choose. And we have that choice.
Post-Mile
Like I said, I can’t read the future, nor can I write it, but I did hit up a nice Chinese restaurant after the mile I ran last year at Ocean Breeze. I’m hopeful that it’s still there and still serving piping hot lo mein, because that is how I’ll be celebrating this year.
So whether I break 5 or not [but I better damn well get under] I’ll be making pitstop at the local eatery while driving home and eating some fine-ass food, and saving the celebrating for the off season.
Cuz I know, if I even think about drinking I’ll feel like shit and I’ll get messed up sleep. And at this stage of my game, it’s not worth it. Ya with me?
Friday’s Action Plan:
Go ahead and celebrate all your hard work. Know that there are alternatives to it always including alcohol.
On the Blog:
The Optimal Number of Days You Should Be Running Per Week
…And From the Newsletter:
What an Injured Runner Should and Shouldn’t Do
Running Injuries are Unfortunate
Quote of the Week:
Set your goal. Then put on your running shoes and go crush it.
How to Connect with Me:
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