October 12, 2010 – 4.52 Mile Run

The continued prayer is, “Lord keep me focused. Keep my mind stayed on You. Help me to bring You praise. I know You believe in me. Please help me in my unbelief. Amen.”

This run was an extra special treat. I posted a request on my Facebook page asking if anyone wanted to run with me. I requested a partner for a 13-mile workout.

Well, I got a taker! I know… I was as shocked as you! A gentleman named Sean, from the office and a former firefighter said he had been meaning to get back into the habit of running. He said he used to run 2 miles in 15 minutes. I had to clarify, that I would not be doing anything even close to that and he still took me up, so I was excited.

I brought my workout clothes to the office in the morning and we got started right after work. Since he was doing me this favor and we were in his neck of the woods, I asked that he choose the venue. He chose a lovely run along a city wash. I really like running along creeks. We recently had a little rain, so the creek was rolling and there isn't anything in this life much better than running beside a babbling brook (or a roaring irrigation creek).

It was after the heat of the day. There was still quite a bit of light left in the day, but the sun was on its descent. The temperature was perfect, as is usual in Southern California.

Sean is highly intelligent and has very little patience for nonsense. I couldn’t ask for a better temperament in a running partner. We dropped in at his house to pick up his dog, Girl (yes, the dog’s name is Girl), and we set out. Even the dog was a pleasure. Sean took her off her leash for most of the run and she had free reign to pretty much do whatever she wanted. She explored every nook and cranny of the wash but made sure to stick with us throughout the run.

We did the 4 and 1 pace since we were going for distance. Sean was OK with that, so we got started.

Mile one was really great, considering I usually dislike mile one. Sean started out stronger than me, but I expected that, so I reigned in my competitive nature and left him in the lead. I couldn’t afford to go into overdrive if I wanted to last the whole run. Before we got to the end of mile one, we had reached a point where we had to cross a street, but that was nothing. It didn’t detract from the workout at all. This route was something I’ll have to be sure to remember. The gravel was loose but not soft. It was populated but not crowded. It was sequestered but not unsafe.

There was very little talking, which suited me just fine. We both had music and by the 2.5 mile mark, I’m pacing Sean. He is hanging with me while maintaining a brisk walk! Yes! He’s walking (essentially). His stride is incredible! I am running at a consistent 12-minute mile pace and he is coasting! Wow! If I’m ever in a burning building, I want this guy runnin’ me outta there!

The next mile and a half were great. Nice and easy, we were approaching the 4-mile mark and I knew that if I ever want Sean to come out with me again, I’d better wrap it up. I asked if we could run back to the car and call it a night and he assented.

A *great* run. Everything about it was a pleasure. Can’t say enough about it. Hope we can get out there again soon!