Sunday, October 11, 2015

Runsketeer run with a Vonnegut twist

I miraculously remembered to take our selfie
Today's run (Bethpage bike trail): 4.5 miles

There's a short story written by Kurt Vonnegut called "Harrison Bergeron" that summarizes today's Runsketeer run. In the story, the main character is saddled with government-provided "handicaps" to counter his intelligence and athleticism and ensure an egalitarian society. In my case, it was my speedy friends who were recovering from recent races that allowed us to all run together the entire time.

TPP and I met up on Colonial Road around 7:30 AM to start things off. Our plan was to run to Bethpage State Park and connect with SIOR who who would join us around 8:00. TPP and I took off at an easy pace that allowed us to chat as we made our way south. It seemed like we covered the 1.5 miles in three minutes. We arrived at Bethpage a few minutes before SIOR, but soon enough her semi-tractor trailer of an SUV pulled into the lot.

We made a plan to run south for four miles out-and-back which would give me and TPP a total of 5.5 miles. Due to TPPs intense duathlon yesterday and SIOR's marathon last weekend, everyone was happy to run my pace. It reminded me of the first time we ran together at Eisenhower Park, when I was better able to keep to the pace they'd set. Like before, the time went by quickly and we ended up turning around after 1.5 miles. That resulted in a total of 4.5 for me and TPP.

The route
There are a lot of hills in that section, so despite our leisurely pacing, we did a good bit of work. The last part of the southern path is a half mile hill with a 3.4% grade that I always dread. It was no picnic today, but I did fine. About halfway up the hill, SIOR caught up to a Facebook running friend and they traveled together as TPP and I took the lead.

Although we didn't cover our planned distance, I think we were all happy with our runs. Me especially, due to the Bergeroning of my running buddies. SIOR drove me and TPP back to our cars. I played navigator and SIOR really appreciated that.* Later, at Starbucks, I realized how lucky I was to have survived the short ride after she'd told us that she views highway driving as a competitive sport. TPP views it as a chess game, which is slightly more comforting.
* Editor's note: She did not

We did meet up at Starbucks. As usual, I arrived last because I'm a fan of speed limits. While they were waiting for their fancy mocha latte skinny no-caf drinks, I sat with my basic coffee and watched the guy to my left eat the biggest pile of something covered in syrup that I'd ever seen. I didn't know Starbucks had that on the menu. It's like an IHOP with better coffee.

We probably covered 50 topics in the same number of minutes, including that fact that TPP's sister was running the Chicago Marathon today. We wrapped up around 10:00 to get to our days started. This is TPP's first anniversary with paramour and sometime Runsketeer JC, so they'll celebrate tonight. SIOR brought more chaos into her household today with the adoption of a puppy from a rescue shelter. I'll continue to celebrate my son's 16th birthday with the family tonight.

Tomorrow's a holiday and that should keep the streets relatively clear for a neighborhood run. I'm glad to have the opportunity to run four consecutive days. After Monday, I won't get too many chances for a workout until next Saturday. No working from home this week.

6 comments:

  1. What a great time I had with you and SIOR today! I can't wait until the next time. Tomorrow, you will run, and I'm doing my first 65 mile bike "B" group ride from Greenvale to Throgs Neck Bridge and back. Life is SO good right now. JC says hello!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TPP - it was so great seeing you coming up the path this morning. It was a very fun run in perfect fall weather.

      I can't imagine anyone voluntarily traveling to the Throgs Neck Bridge. I deal with that thing every day. I hope you stay clear of the Cross Island!

      I'm very happy for you. My best to JC and happy riding.

      Delete
  2. I can't believe you connected that story to running like that! That makes so much sense. Running with a group is hard if everyone runs at different speeds but if everyone runs slowly all can enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved being able to stay with my buddies yesterday. I only wish it didn't take them recovering from hard races for that to happen.

      Delete
  3. I just wrote a lengthy, profound comment which then disappeared into thin air. Here's the short version

    1. Fun run
    2. Drive faster
    3. Backseat driver
    4. Next run Kin and JC
    5. You're welcome

    5.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. Drive safer.
      2. I was in the front seat.
      3. Yes and yes (Kin & JC).
      4. Maybe you daughter can teach you how to type into a web browser.

      Delete

Comments will appear only after passing review. Any comments that promote or link to commercial products will be rejected.

 

blogger templates | Webtalks