FWPs

For some reason when the power went off at 5:30 a.m. this morning, it startled me awake. I must be so used to the hum and drone of electricity moving through the house and into my veins that I freak out when it’s not there.

Or, maybe it was the paper boy who woke me up as he yelled (to no one in particular): “The f’ng electricity just went off of on the whole f’ng street!! I cannot f’ng believe it!” Well, dude, I can’t f’ng believe you have to use the “f” word this early on a Sunday morning. I guess there is a reason you are a paper boy at the age of 35.

Getting up and dressed in the dark was a feat, but I had a trail run to go on and I wasn’t going to miss it. I don’t mind not having power except for one reason. No coffee. I seriously about died. I always, and I mean always, have a cup of coffee before a run. Ken begrudgingly offered to stop at Starbucks, but I decided to be a big girl and suck it up. I realize this is a First World Problem (FWP), but it seemed critical at the time. I will say it was a poop-free run, so maybe I should take a hint.

Other FWPs that people face these days (I LOVE the Dominos one):

 

 

For some reason, these actually make me laugh hard, too hard. I think it just speaks to how lazy and self indulgent we’ve all become – myself included. It’s so pathetic, it’s funny.

I backed off mileage this week to give my aching knee a rest. Today we just did 8 miles on the trails. It was 43 degrees (or 43 f’ng degrees if you are the paper boy), which was a bit nipply, yet refreshing. This trail at Heil Ranch is one of my favorites. It is a lollipop loop with a moderate climb (900 feet) over the first 3 miles. Nice views at the top- 

In other SUAR weekend news, have to admit I was kind of peeved when I read that Lance Armstrong can’t run the Chicago Marathon on October 7 with Livestrong. In fact, he’s banned from running all marathons under the USATF, which will include Boston, New York and many others. Next thing you know he’ll be banned from double dutch competitions.

“Under the rules, if an athlete is banned from competition under the World Anti-Doping Agency Code, this includes any event or competition that is sanctioned by a sport governing body which is a signatory to the Code, irrespective of the athlete’s level or expected results,” said USADA spokesperson Erin Hannan.

Armstrong ran 2:45:43 in NYC (2007)

Guilty or not guilty of doping while cycling, I just don’t get why he can’t run recreationally as part of his Livestrong Foundation (which sponsors runners who have raised millions of dollars to fight cancer in races across the country). I understand rules are rules, but seems extreme to me, especially because this might hinder fundraising efforts.  Just my f’ing two cents.

What’s your FWP today? Aside from no coffee, the toilet paper is out in the downstairs' bathroom and I have to go all the way upstairs to get more. This forces me to use Kleenex because upstairs is way too far away.

Any thoughts on Armstrong being banned from the Chicago Marathon? Excessive or legit?

SUAR

PS: I love the post my friend Clair wrote today about what inspires us at mile 19 of a marathon. Check it out!