When the heart isn't in it

Four weeks now since the marathon. The first week after the race I ran once. The second week after I ran 5 days and for 3 of them I did speed work. The third week I was beat from the 2nd week so I only ran 3 times and only once did I push myself. Then the big monsoon rains came over the weekend. I had been thinking about running the Gristmill Grinder at Babcock (13.1 mile trail run) but due to the rain and drive I decided to stay home and play Monopoly with the family. It was great. After the rain came the wind, I was excited about monitoring my friend Lee as he ran the Boston Marathon. I just didn't feel like doing any running.

Then came the shooting at VT, my Alma Matter. I really didn't feel like running after that because I was sick at the stomach. I have such fond memories of the place. My roommate, his wife, and I had such a good experience there as well as my first cousin and her husband. It's a place of learning, a place to "expand the mind" and such a beautiful campus. It's like someone came into your neighborhood and started shooting people. It broke me down mentally. I really didn't feel like running now. Below is Main Campbell Hall where I started my life at VT right on the drill field. I believe my room was the 2nd window on the first floor from the right in this photo. There used to be a huge tree just outside the window so it was always shady.

On a lighter and unexpected note, I got a call from an old buddy. He has canoed in the Great Greenbrier Race for 10 years now. It is a 3 leg race. Run 3 miles, canoe 4 miles, and bike 10 miles. He wanted me to run. I was thrilled although it will conflict with turkey hunting and the girls soccer a little. I am going to slip it in. It is an unusual race for me to do. I will be part of a team. It will be my shortest race ever at 3 miles flat. It will be like a dash.