Notes
Today on my 55th Birthday, as promised to myself I kept my word and, raced the Mile.
From the start of the day I had a excruciating migraine. I was feeling physically sick and needy for fresh air. Nothing but nothing could make me feel better. I felt trapped in my painful head. We did some shopping with Franc and decided to make the most of the day but without much fuss as my head keip on punishing me. Because of this, I did not want to travel places or going to noisy, busy places. I also did not want to submit to the head situation and 'ruin' the special day. Franc had offered to go to a Greek restaurant but the fact that this was 60 miles away did not feel right. I was happy staying at home.
By midday I was having 'itchy feet' to go my usual short run. Today, at least, 5 miles for my 55 could be the least I could do. How one can have birthday celebration without running? So, I left home to run. My head felt slightly better after 2 miles as I was getting plenty of fresh oxygen almost gasping for it. Physically It was an average day . The toe joint was nipping me at times but not all times. Peroneal was kind today. Just a few sec before 4th mile ending I thought to myself and remembered that I had promised on my birthday to race the mile on the track. Suddenly something took over me, something like a voice telling me 'you need to keep your promise, and race the mile on your birthday'! As crazy as it sounds, on the instant I set off by the river bank amongst people and dogs racing the mile. That was crazy. No preparation took place for this, mentally or physically but with an impulse I had to keep my promise. I was half way almost by the river bank and had to think how to tackle the narrow path to the end and half way back. Luckily there were not many obstructions to avoid apart from one biker, a couple of dogs and a few walkers. I run like a desperate person. For half mile I felt strong somehow but when I reached the end of the narrow path and had to make my way back and around 0.6 I felt weak and thought there is no way I can carry on. This is crazy! But then I started this self talk, 'it is only 400 yards Eleni come on' it is your birthday! 200 more to go and then 100 and then I felt sick to my stomach as I could not push more! But I knew I had made it to race the mile. I had no clue what this meant in terms of speed but I could have not done any better. It was not the track and I had to be creative but even if I was up on a mountain I would still race the birthday mile today, this I know. The I did a warm down of 1.5 miles and arrived home exhausted to Frankie's surprise.
What a way to run on my birthday. God helped me to do what I desired and I could have not done it without his help. It is all mental and that all it is. Today it was a crazy mile out of nowhere but it was a real mile and a beautiful experience for my 55th birthday. And now I can indulge into my cake, lovely sea food and good quality red wine. Frankie is running as I am typing this and I know that this birthday will be special in it's own way.
Running goes on no matter the numbers but today Lady H did the works and I am proud.