103: 2M & intenSati

I was up at the crack of dawn to take JolynnSati this morning at the Equinox by my apartment. I'm not a member any more but Jolynn got me a pass so I could take her class. So strange to descend down into that subterranean cave where I once belonged. A lot has happened to me there. Bad trainers. Crowded classes. Expensive massages. Extended sauna and steaming when I was sick. Sure, I used the equipment too, but not that much.

I was pretty lame in JolynnSati because I was so tired; but I did the best I could. After that, I forced myself to the treadmill for two miles of running. It's the first day of my online marathon training course by Training Peaks. I've been eagerly anticipating this day for weeks now and I wasn't going to do what my heart wanted (and go back to bed!) and risk getting off to a bad start. I'm determined not to sabotage myself - at least yet! So, I did it. And for that, I am VERY proud of myself. That took a tremendous amount of willpower.

I motivated myself with the promise of a long, hot shower afterwards, and maybe even a steam... Since I quit the gym, Equinox has been spruced up a lot. Nice of them to finally put my membership money to good use! The showers have been converted to Italian marble and now sport caddies filled with premium Kiehl's shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. In the locker room, they have Kiehl's rich body lotion. What a treat!

By the time I walked out of the gym, I felt more like I'd just been to a spa than had a workout! It made me consider joining again. Just having a place to go when it's super hot out, or raining, or snowing, or I just need to feel pampered... How have I trained to this point with just my tiny 3-treadmill gym to go to - that closes at 8PM on some nights. I know I've been determined to do this running thing as cheaply as possible, but maybe I've gone too far. Could running and training actually feel... fun, and like an indulgence? Hm... Not sure what to do.

I got my number in the mail today for my first long training run, which will be on Sunday. That's 6-20 miles, sponsored by the NYRR Organization. It isn't a timed event, but there will be fluids on along the route, medical assistance, etc. Wait, maybe it is timed. I don't know. I'm just taking this all one day at a time right now. If I think about how soon November 7th is, and how much I need to improve in 103 days, it's too scary. Better to live a little in denial at this point.