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May 16, 2005
Whiney 
Well, I ended up doing 10 or 12 miles yesterday. Not too much.
Initially, it started out really nice. It was cool and drizzy, and I was doing the short end of the Terwilliger Hill. The wooded hills and drop-offs was gorgeous, and there weren't many folks out. I had parked my scoot at the Chart House, and had a supply of water in my collapsable cooler under the seat.
I had planned to do 20 miles. The thought was to do the Sheridan to Capitol Hwy loop of Terwilliger twice, and then do the Marquam trail up to Wildwood and back. I figured it was doable — there are several restrooms on Terwilliger, and I could go get more water from the scooter as I needed it.
I noticed a sign that said "SW Trails 1" -- does that mean, SW Trails, 1 mile away. Or a trail that is a mile long? Or that this is trail #1? Who knows? I decided to go down it.
The trail went down someone's driveway, and then along a series of public stairs descending down the hill.
WARNING: Okay, it's about to get ugly here. If you don't like graphic discussions of bodily mis-functions, do not select the black box with your mouse because it really doesn't get any better.
At one point, I had a choice: continue down the stairs, or take the plywood ramp. I'm trying to do new things, so I went down the ramp. And I slipped and fell right on my ass. In the mud. And peed myself.
Feeling completely humiliated, I look around. No one anywhere in sight. I'm covered with mud, and I'm probably the only one who knows the worst of it. Ick.
While I'm sitting there, I consider my options. I could go home and change my clothes. But would I come back out walking? I've done less than 3 miles at this point. Who am I kidding, of course I wouldn't come back out walking.
I am still vacillating about the Gorge Marathon. I want to do it, but am I ready to do it? If I don't get 20 miles done in the next couple of days, planning on doing the marathon is a gamble.
So, as awful and humiliated as I feel, I decide to soldier on. And to make a stop at the Y.
The Y is only five or six blocks away. I'm not a member, but maybe they will take pity on me? And they do. So, I'm able to use the washroom and wash up.
This is the way it started. Sigh. And really, I do pretty good until I realize, on the second Terwilliger loop, that I'm running out of water. I'm supposed to get on the Marquam and do my 10 miles. With just the 20 oz of water I have on me. Stoopid, stoopid, stoopid. So I decide to go past the Marquam, up to the Chart House, and get some water. Though of course, once I get to the Chart House, there is no doubling back.
I was never so happy to take my icebath and warm shower.
...
This has been such a crazy stressful couple of weeks. And I had another absolutely enjoyable visit with my dentist this morning. If I can just get my work done (or not, maybe), I'm thinking maybe I'll take a mental health day. And maybe see if I can't crank a long walk out then.
Posted at May 16, 2005
Comments
Sorry things have been so tough for you lately. I'm impressed that you have continuted your training in spite of the funk. Hang in there...
Posted by: susan at May 16, 2005 2:05 PM
i like your little black box trick. hehe. :) 10 - 12 miles is so great. great!! huge. that is just so far ya know. you are definitely a seasoned runner/walker/marathoner with all the running challenges faced and conquered! :)
Posted by: brent at May 16, 2005 3:42 PM
I am so glad I found this blog, your athletic exploits really inspire me. This post inspires me to visit the ladies room a second time before I go for a long run or hike!
Posted by: Liz at May 16, 2005 4:59 PM
You are such the total running fanatic, VJ. Total dedication to training. Anyone less experienced would have quit right there and stomped on home. Not VJ. This is training and you run the race you are given. Damn, woman. You impress the heck out of me!
Posted by: Jon in Michigan at May 16, 2005 6:59 PM
Ha! This is a great story, and even though it was probably embarrassing and icky, it just makes me realize what a tough dame you are.
Hang in there!
Posted by: Megan at May 17, 2005 6:33 AM