The Good Kind of Oops

Today was out of the ordinary, to say the least.

But, let's back up for a second. Yesterday I knew that this morning would be freezing, so I decided to get some new gear. Sam and I went to Walmart where I got some spandex-ish running pants and one of those wick-away, long-sleeved shirts to go under my sweatshirt. I also got a stocking cap (who says that?) and some gloves. Being prepared is half the battle, right?

This morning I got up and was determined to have a good run. I figured I'd run my 5k route and then another small loop to get me to 4.5 miles. I put on my new stuff, ate half an energy bar (that's new), put in my earbuds and out into the cold I went.

And boy was it ever cold! 32 degrees. Freezing. That's science. But I really did feel good as I ran. I listened to RadioLab and then the BS Report with Bill Simmons.

Toward the end of my 5k is when things took a turn to the unexpected. As I completed the loop and lept going, I still felt really good. After another half mile or so, I started thinking, "Why don't I just do my 5k loop again?" There really wasn't any internal debate. Nothing said not to. All systems were go.

So...I did. I ran my first 10k today! About 6.5 miles. And honestly...I felt like I could keep going. It felt that good. I dare say, it was the first time I really enjoyed the act of running. I've always enjoyed completing the run, but this time it was fun pretty much the whole time. Incredible.

Why was it so easy this time? So natural? I'm not sure. I did have that new gear, which I'm sure put me in a good frame of mind. I also ate half an energy bar, which couldn't have hurt, I'm sure.

In any event, today was huge. Huge for my confidence. I know I can do it. FACT.

Very exciting stuff!