Words of wisdom from my Dad

I could hear my Dad in the background, "She's nuts."

And he was probably right. I mean it was 92 degrees outside and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Most sane people would be running for the air conditioning, or at least a fan. Me? I was heading out for a 4.5 mile run.

My Mom had already scolded me. Told me I should have gotten my lazy butt out of bed at 5:30 a.m. in order to get the run in before it turned into an oven outside. But I'm quite fond of sleep. So 5:30 a.m.? Not my friend. After the scolding, Mom turned into the worrier. Did I bring water? Yes. And are you taking it with you on the run? Yes. And I even have an extra water bottle for once I'm done with my run. And remember, if you start to not feel well, stop. OK Mom, I got it.

Sigh. My parents. They've supported my crazy decision to run this half-marathon, even if they don't completely understand why I want to run 13.1 miles, just for the heck of it. And they listen as I complain about miles that I have to run or the brutal weather that I've had to run in. And my Mom has come out to watch me in all the races I've run so far this summer and will be standing along the race route come September. And although he hasn't said it, I'm pretty sure my Dad will be out there too. And they won't care if I come in first or dead last.

But as I was giving myself the pep talk today before I took off for my run, I had to agree with my Dad. His daughter, the girl who quit the middle school cross country team after one season, who spent her time on the tennis court during the fall sports season? There can only be one reason why she's decided that this running thing, especially when temperatures are hovering around 90, is fun.

"She's nuts."

Today, I couldn't agree with him more.

Oh yeah, the run itself? It wasn't too awful. Yes it was hot and yes the 4.5 miles felt like a gazillion miles. But overall, it wasn't too bad. I forgot to take my watch along, but I think I finished it in about 50 minutes, so my pace was just about what I normally run, even though I felt like I was walking at one point near mile 4.