It has been about 2 weeks since I last made the time to write. Many things have happened in that time. CBoy had surgery to plate his broken jaw, followed by 2 weeks of school holidays. Enough time for him to complain of being bored, so he must be feeling better.
With Dr’s appointments, police interviews and a counselling session behind him now; all that is left is to step foot on school grounds on Tuesday. CBoy has been out a couple of times during the holidays, and has commented that he felt spooked being in crowds and around people he didn’t know. All to be expected really when someone jumps you from behind and belts the living daylights out of you; taking away your dignity and self-confidence. Hopefully, in time, CBoy will put this behind him. I am sure part of that will involve following the judicial system to see how the perpetrator is punished. Court is on July 29th, and we are yet to know if he pleads guilty. Fingers crossed, he realises his error and does the right thing. I am still concerned about how this will impact CBoy when he actually goes back to school. Word is lots of people, he didn’t even know are his friends, are behind him. Hopefully that support will bolster him.
In all this time, I’ve still been running. Truth be told I didn’t for the week around the attack, but have been since. Each run I find myself enjoying it more and more. I’ve been reading another book, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, about the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico. Such an interesting book, a good story and full of useful information. With all this reading I can begin to see myself out on the “Death March”....running well and running smart.
With building my 5 kms into 7/8km runs, I was ready for a challenge this morning. It was time to head to the hills! I figured I had to make a start, especially as hills in Perth aren’t going to be anywhere near the size of the ones in Canada, now was not too early in my reckoning. I managed to “con” my girlfriend MGal into coming with me. Her own plans of NZ IM in March 2011 were weighing on her mind and as she’d not run in 2 weeks, and we were well overdue for a catch up; she was also up for a test. It worked out really well, as we seemed to pace well off each other, while pushing a little too. I find I run faster with others, and the chatter takes your mind of the fact that you’re working a little harder.
We headed out to the Zig Zag in Kalamunda. Originally a railway line, it was now a one-way road (down) that was a favourite amongst runners and cyclists alike. We only saw one cyclist going up, and two other women running, other than that it was downhill traffic. It is one way and down only, but we figured how much trouble can we cause running up as well. So we parked at the top which was just the thing to do. This meant our first cruise downhill was like a warm-up, with each trip (down or up) about 3km. As we started from the car park we ended up locking 4.2km to the turn around. Averaging about 5.05min pace on the way down, I was pleased as is showed me I am capable of running the speeds I used to run! (I still can’t see why I’d been running so slowly around home in the last weeks!!) Even on the uphills we were around 5.30min pace, so after one down/up I was feeling really proud of myself. Over the 2nd down/up we walked, briefly and occasionally, as MGal is still nursing a repairing calf muscle tear. She suggested I go on ahead, but I told her I’d invited her so I could “run with her, not away from” her. I could’ve easily kept going...but that wasn’t what it was about. So after adding another descent/ascent we ended up running over 14km in 1 hour 25mins. This also included venturing off the road a couple of times on the last run up as I was busting to run on dirt!
When we reached top and I still had more energy to spare, I finally realised I am enjoying my running. When I’ve run I want to run the next day; but sensibility tells me to pace myself! I’ve got time to spare, and soon enough I’ll be running 100km or more a week. For this week, I was happy with my 14km hit-out and my other 2 runs, totalling 29km for the week. A start, but I am feeling quietly confident that my body will hold up, and my spirit is rising all the while!!
In the time since I’ve last written, I also purchased a 2nd hand home gym. I’ve used it twice and its fun too. I don’t want big muscles, just lean and chiselled ones! MGirl has also had a turn, hoping to get strength for her pitching arm for the summer baseball season.
Life is good...after the hiccup of CBoy’s horrible assault...we are back to us! I am so thankful he was only left with a broken jaw; I try not to dwell on how wrong it could’ve gone. He is truly lucky, and I feel blessed...and relieved.
(On a side note – the boy involved was arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm. Be interesting to see how justice is served. I’m not holding my breath!! Besides, I can’t run if I’m holding my breath.)
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