I’m Too Six-y For My Run

To be perfectly honest, Modern Philosophers, this past week totally kicked my ass.

Since I’ve been working so hard over the last few months to improve my life and be more positive, I decided to fight back today, rather than wallow in self pity.

That’s right, friends, rather than turning the other butt cheek, I came out swinging.

Lately, I’ve discovered that the best way to deal with stress is by proving that I’m not the same old me.

To that end, I got up early and set out on another six mile run.  The old Austin would’ve gone out for a short, easy run because he felt sorry for himself.

The new me would rather not talk in the third person.  Despite my crappy week, I was excited to see if I could repeat last Saturday’s conquering of the Sweaty Six.  I was also eager to try out a new route suggested by Mrs. Fish.

Once again, the weather was excellent for a sweaty, six mile adventure.  It actually looked like rain, which I would have welcomed to keep me from overheating.

And I was off, relieved to be set loose on the streets of my neighborhood, and not having to worry about any of the car stress that had haunted my week.

I turned up the tunes, didn’t worry about the pace because six miles is all about survival at the point, rather than putting up a time, and just breathed in the cool morning air.

It was exactly what I needed.

Sometimes, running away from my problems is the perfect solution.  I have a tendency to dwell on what’s stressing me, and I cannot seem to turn off my brain or even switch it to another channel.

Running, however, is like the magic remote control that allows me to flip away from the Stress Network.

My thoughts were so focused on keeping my body upright and moving for six miles, while also calculating a route to cover the desired distance, that there was no time to worry about anything else.

I was happy to see so many other runners and walkers out this morning.  I love the way we say hello even though we are total strangers.  We share that common trait of being crazy enough to go out and sweat on a gorgeous summer morning, and that’s all we need.

I decided to cut down a street that isn’t a usual part of my running route, and found a quiet neighborhood that will now be a regular part of my six milers.

Then I tested out the road Mrs. Fish suggested, and that ended up being a real winner.  Another quiet neighborhood, no traffic, and it looped right back into my regular route.  I checked my tracker, and it added 1,100 steps in either direction.  That’s more than a mile, and just what I needed to lengthen my route to the six mile mark.

I have to admit that I ran at a slower pace than last week, but that was because I could not get the jets to kick in on mile six.  After a ridiculously slow first mile, I maintained a pretty steady pace for the last five.

Once I’ve got a better feel for this distance, I will work on shaving minutes off my time.  For the meantime, however, I’m just thrilled to be able to go six miles without having to stop or seek out medical attention.

I feel like I’m making a major leap in my running program with the addition of this longer run, and the plan is to make this my regular Saturday jam.

If all works out, perhaps I’ll six it up on Saturday and Sunday.  Like a regular six fiend.

My hard work was rewarded, too, which was a nice bonus.  According to the scale, I have now lost 46 lbs since April 1.  Not bad for the fat, lazy guy, who couldn’t get off the couch.

Running six miles wasn’t the only thing I did to fight back against my difficult week.

Like I’ve said, I’ve turned over a new leaf and I am actively making positive changes in my life.  I’m dipping my toe outside of my comfort zone and trying new things.

As a result, this happened today…

Yes, Modern Philosophers, that is me posing with my new RAV4!

I finally decided it was time to put an end to the Zombie Car stress, and see what it’s like to drive a brand new car.

My previous two cars were a 67 Mustang and a 92 Olds.  This is the first time that I’ve owned a vehicle in the same year it was built.  What a novel concept!

Yes, I’m stressing a little about the cost.  I’m improving, but I’m not a miracle worker.

First, let me thank Joy for going to the dealership with me.  She’s usually Danny’s right hand woman on The Nite Show, but today, she was a giant help to me.  We took it for a test drive back to The House on the Hill because I wanted to make sure it fit in the garage.

All my neighbors happened to be out, so they came over to marvel at the vehicle.  They were so pleased I was finally upgrading.

After that, I got on the highway and headed to the office.  Just because I wanted to drive to work for once without breaking down or being in total fear of it happening.

Gotta admit, it was a wonderful feeling.

Tonight, I took her out for a quick spin to my mechanic’s to visit Zombie Car.  I wanted to get all of my stuff out of my old car, and give her a chance to meet the new vehicle that is going to step in now that she can finally retire.

It’s totally unlike me to go for a quick drive, so already, I’m showing signs of being more comfortable behind the wheel.

Yes, last week left me battered and bruised, but I’m confident that I’m ahead on all the judges’ cards now after my kick ass performance today!