Unplugging

I've been thinking about unplugging. My ipod. I hate that it is such a crutch for me. I don't like addiction of any sort. I like to know I am in control.

Don't get me wrong, I love my little pod but if anything happened to it--I just don't even want to think about it. I would be devastated for sure. And knowing me, something is bound to happen. I actually have nightmares about it. Really. And this is not unreasonable of my psyche. I went through 3 RIO MP3 players in less than a year. I am so destructive when it comes to all things electronic or mechanical--no matter how careful I try to be. And for the record, you probably should never lend me your clothes either.

I need to know I can be a runner without my ipod. Certainly I have run without tunes. But I am so much slower. So I would not give up the pod for my long runs or probably even long races. Music heavily motivates me and lifts my spirits. Those long runs and marathons are incredibly emotional. 3 hours is a good chunk of time to spend alone with your thoughts and some endorphins. There is a welling. There is a flood. There is a flow--of thoughts, emotions, and sensations. Music cushions the blow. At least for me it does.

But oddly, I have noticed that lately when I've done a 10k race I am not really even hearing the music because I am so focused on my pace. I really don't think I have the mental stamina to stay that focused for a marathon--possibly a half marathon but I think I definitely do for a 10k. At the very least I don't think my lack of tunes will hinder my performance in a shorter race. I may be wrong but I have pretty much decided that I will put this to the test in the 10K race I am doing this Saturday.

My ultimate 10k goal is to run a sub 42. I know that right now I am just not physically capable of cranking out 6 sub 7 minute miles. I could do 2 probably 3 and maybe even 4 miles but I just know I don't have the endurance for a whole 10k. I do think I will get there but I am definitely not there yet.

The reason behind doing a sub 42 for a 10k means I get sub-seeded for thePeachtree. Why this is important to me is a little silly but I do think it represents a superior level in running. Anything over 42 minutes and under 55 minutes gets you in the same place--Time group 1A or B and I'm already there. Basically this means you get a chip and get to be towards the front of 50,000 or so runners. But under 42 minutes? I am standing right there behind the elites and well, to me, that is something. For this 35 year old mother of 2 who came late to running that is pretty big. Some people dream big. But me? I look for the little accomplishments that can lift me up. I'll take success anyway I can get it.

I would love to hear from any previous plugheads (not hair club members) that have unplugged for a race and how it went.

In other running related news I bought new shoes. I've only been in my last pair since Christmas but they are completely shot. So are the 7 other pairs I have laying around. I got another pair of Brooks Adrenaline but these babies have MoGo and I love them. I bought them yesterday afternoon and have already run twice in them and put 14 miles on them. Both runs were great--one speed workout on the mill and one mid length outside. Of course the weather today was just amazing so that definitely helped. I hope to get 18 miles in tomorrow morning but we'll see. In the past 2 days I've put in 22 miles so my legs may prove less than cooperative. Shrug, I don't want to ruin myself for Saturday's tune out.