Run DMC - Did (I) Mean (to) Commit?
With knee problems in the past few months not quite 100% well, and the lack of time to go on a serious training routine. I never... fully understood why I thought I could sign up for a half-marathon and be prepared for it.March 12, 2006. When I hit the Submit button a few months back on the website for this race, I was determined to make this the race to top the little ones that I ever signed up for in Boston. I was (er...) inspired especially when I played the video of the running route: It was a little over a 13-mile loop covering downtown and Cambridge. Not quite confident to run the Boston Marathon (yet? ever?), so I thought this would do. What other way to say goodbye to the city I've roamed in for - perhaps the most psychologically-formative set of years I've had thus far?
Because a mere despidida shindig with friends would be too easy. March is coming at speed of now, and it had been too cold to run outside, not to mention I will be out of town for a full week prior to the race.
I reckon that I could possibly finish well with no more than muscle soreness and an added layer of pride. However there is also that lingering possibility that I'll be hailing a cab halfway through the course.
What a lovely way to burn.
Top 5 iTunes Running Beats Playlist Mile-Pushers:
1. Fall Behind Me - The Donnas
2. Going the Distance - Cake
3. Cold Hard B**** - Jet
4. Beautiful Ones - Suede
5. Praise You - Fat Boy Slim , or Float On - Modest Mouse (Both usulally timed towards the near end of a run.)
People are Strange: A Study in the Rude
I never... realized that such people existed. Well, alright - I used to be in the hotel industry and yes, it was rewarding to meet a variety of people and personalities. There were the notable ones who were delightful to work with - and there were ones who were... not (darn Euphemism Rolodex badlly needs to be updated).
Thursday night: My friend and I decided to catch up over some drinks, etc. at supposedly one of the most (?) revered (translate: expensive, semi-stuffy) establishments in the area. Headed for the bar, populated with several after-work sanity hounds, and seemingly regular Boston folk. Typical to have one seat in between parties: We nicely requested a party of two women if they may kindly move one seat, in order for us to be situated. One lady was willing to do so but her friend, Ms. Aquanet Gone-Wrong, whose cheap purse and lint-lined coat was taking the real estate Kam I requested for, was not but moved anyway in defeat.
We thanked them profusely. Looked the kind lady in the eye and she smiled back... but Ms. Holy Badhair-day sighed heavily and did not even look at me, even as I was staring longer than necessary as I aimed for eye-contact. None. Later on, we noticed they ordered dinner. Evil thought: "We should have asked them to move just before she took a hungry stab at her order."
Sunday Bloody Sunday: Not sure why - I have steered clear of malls for quite some time now, and when I do go, it's for one particular item, 20 minutes... out of the garage. No clear aversion or anything, just no compelling reason to go lately. And yet I found myself 35 minutes out of the city over at the South Shore Plaza - I had to bring a package to a family friend who lived near that area. Charmaine, the Courier walked through the Filene's entrance. A huge liquidation sale was apparently going on. Great - I was in the market for a new suitcase anyway. After a brief meeting with my auntie - I paid for my selection: 50% off what would have been a $(whaat, I can't afford that!) to $(ok, that's do-able.).
I thought I'd go around for a little bit, and see what Visa might want me to bring home. I walked into Express and looked over some of their new line of outfits. Lukewarm interest. As I was walking towards the exit, new luggage in tow, a group of 3 women were meeting me head on. Not single file, mind you. So I semi-audibly said an excuse me - which apparently was not heard because Ms. She Thinks Shealldat said a loud "Excuse You!" as I walked past. Shrugged it off.
Walked in another store.... made a purchase on this one and headed out the door again. Deja freakin vu: there they are again. Only this time:
Ms. Thang: Ugh! It's her and her f* luggage.
Me: (I started to see red.... Turned around to her and) I'm sorry (I wasn't). Did you say something? About anything you had a problem with? (Two steps forward)
Ms. Thang: What? I said it's you and your luggage! Whatcha you gonna do 'bout it? (No lie, this was how she said it. Can you picture her neck moving. No finger snapping, though. Otherwise I would have....)
Me: (Breathe. Mama told me there'll be days like this.) Can't even tell it to my face. What am I going to do? Nothing. (me walking away) Have a nice life. (or something to that effect.)
Ms. Thang: I will!
Me: (Dismissively) Not with that attitude, you won't.
Are we there yet?
I never... thought I would stop complaining about this. These past two days were dubbed as New England's coldest weather days for 2006, so far. My toes are frozen as I finish this blog post.
California, here I come.
