Ding-dong, Avon calling

I really stepped out today. As I’ve noted before, you don’t know your limits until you push them. I don’t know that I pushed mine today, but I forced myself into a longer run because I headed out of town to the south, which means a minimum 6 miles. I added a detour I avoided once before (backtrack for a third bridge) and bagged a full 7 miles. Next time I hope I’ll push farther and hit 8 or 9. I have an idea how to do it. By that I mean I know what I need to do to the same route to add the necessary miles, which I’ve done before.

The thing is, I’m a week and a half away from my half marathon and I’ve not followed any kind of training regimen. I intended to. I had one sent to me by a friend. I had my own idea, too. But my nagging knee negated both. Add to that a general state of dysfunction and disarray in my life and a chronic lack of motivation and you’ve got a recipe for failure. But failure is not an option. I will succeed in this. I am woefully lacking in willpower in many areas of my life (daily schedule, housekeeping, diet, exercise, finances, to name a few), but I have this gut feeling that willpower will carry me through this endeavor.

Not that I’m gonna totally slack off and show up Sunday morning, June 2, and expect my body to listen to my mind. Oh, the muscles, bones, ligaments, joints and all will have some preparation. Maybe not all they deserve, but it ain’t gonna be no pop quiz.

Beyond physical preparation, I have prepared my gear a little. Last week I picked up my Team Acapulco shirt for the Run Galesburg Run event during lunch at the restaurant. For the advertising (cuz I’m a star runner) I received the shirt and half my registration fee paid by the restaurant. Lemme tell you, beyond the shirt, I’ll plug the restaurant anytime: Great food and great service. I love the place. Proprietor Elvith Santoyo is wonderful and she is doing the half marathon, too. Given that she’s half my age I reckon she’ll do much better. But we’re on the same team, so props to us all. Can’t wait to meet the rest of the Acapulco runners.

The shirt has a cool slogan printed on the front and race info and logo on the back and it’s a neon yellow/green. That’s awesome because aside from my Nathan reflective vest I have no high-visibility running apparel. Somebody will be sure to spot my motionless form in even the most overgrown ditch come race day.

I also decided to try out my hydration belt for the first time today. I knew I was going to do a longer run than usual and it might be a bit warm (actually only reached 77, but that’s warm when there’s no shade). After last summer’s E.R. visit at the conclusion of a 12.5-mile run in 80-degree heat, I asked for the hydration belt on my Christmas wish list. D3 Melissa came through for me and I thank her. It’s a weird feeling to have that water bottle bobbin’ up and down on one’s right kidney. But it wasn’t annoying and I appreciated the fluids along my route. The belt has a handy pocket for keys, too.

One piece of gear remains: new shoes. I’ll stop in at Go Outside and Play Running Co. this week and buy the latest Mizuno Wave Inspires (this year’s edition of the shoes I wear now). They’re a pretty penny, but they’ll help, and I love those shoes! I think this year’s model uses orange for an accent color, which is a DenverBroncos color, so hey!

As noted previously, I’ve not been treasure hunting on my runs during “training.” But my eye was drawn to a white sign curled on the western side of the W.C. Jackson Bridge near the end of my run. I backtracked after initially ignoring it, figuring I might need something to write about since my current writing project isn’t yet ready for public consumption. It turned out to be a magnetic sign for Avon products, the kind a local seller will place on his/her car. 

Makes a great refrigerator magnet!

The sign touts Avon products and bears the local rep’s phone number, but included in equally large type the words “Tiny Tillia.” What the H is that, I thought? Well, here’s what it is:

Transporting families to a whimsical world of wonder, Tiny Tillia adds fanciful fun to mom and baby’s daily routine. The Tiny Tillia collection features toys, bath and clothing products for baby as well as beauty must-haves and accessories for mom. Originally sparked by a mother's love for her children, the line even includes a lovable cast of characters. To learn more about Tiny Tillia, visit tinytillia.com.

Check it out at your own risk. I think babies are happy with cardboard boxes and wrapping paper; save your money.

Today's Stats

Temp: 75-77 degrees F

Distance: 7 miles

Weekly Total: 7 miles

Treasure: Avon magnetic sign (for automobile display).

iPod Playlist (Shuffle):

I Don’t Wanna – The Call

Changes - Yes

Paradise – Bruce Springsteen

Prove Your Love – Taylor Dayne

Turnaround (Studio Version) – Robert Plant

You Won’t Be Mine – Matchbox Twenty

Wish You Were Here – Avril Lavigne

Glad Tidings – Van Morrison

Come Sail Away - Styx

I Will – Matchbox Twenty (Gonna see these guys again in July!)

Heartbreak Warfare – John Mayer

I Me Mine – The Beatles

Argue – Matchbox Twenty

Bonus – C+C Music Factory

I Still Haven’t FoundWhat I’m Looking For – U2

Hearts - Yes