Math

I just spent an inordinate amount of time calculating how much of a head start I could have on the Olympic women marathon runners, and still be certain they would beat me. Obviously there are a lot of variables, but I allowed myself an optimistic 9-minute pace (why not be generous to myself), and after a lot of number crunching, I figured 10 miles. I could have a 10-mile head start and still be beaten by at least the first 23 runners. If not more.

My point is not really that they're fast and I'm slow—we know that. I'm simply marveling that I am willing to spend a good ten minutes laboring over pen, paper, and calculator (yes it took ten minutes even with a calculator), just to illustrate exactly how slow I am. Even when I give myself an extremely generous potential pace. And round off.

Here's some more math.

Almost-a-15K plus almost-a-10K equals... a 15-mile long run this morning!

I ran nine miles from my house to my parents' (coincidentally, nine miles door to door), then another six miles on the beach (with a short break in between to change shoes, grab another water bottle, eat a Creamsicle, and exchange greetings with my parents).

Then I walked another half mile up and down the beach to round out the complete 25K (I'm a little obsessive that way).

Then another Creamsicle. Possibly the best post-run treat ever.