I spent the better part of last night and today in a running clinic. Trainer thinks it’s a good idea to have a partner for encouragement, training, and mini marathon runs. Something like an AA sponsor. I don’t know, I’m not sold on the idea. Did some tests last night: my blood pressure is 171/65, resting heart rate about 72. Pretty high for someone who wants to run a bloody marathon. My total body fat is a little over 26% of my mass. Scandalous. I am a cow. Mooooo.
Trainer: Aya, gotta cut down on carbs.
Me: I hardly have any, maybe a croissant or two, a bagel or two, a crêpe or two, that’s it!
*indignant, hurt look in the eyes*
Trainer: Your love handles are slowing you down.
Me: Let’s move on.
*glares at arrogant fuck*
Trainer: Gotta get some blood work done too.
I’ve had anemia since my teen years. It doesn’t help that I bleed like an Eid ul-Adha goat every month. Menopause, I beg you, come early!
It will be a cold day in hell before I walk into an office only to be poked by a gynormous needle and have what little blood I have drawn. I also haven’t seen my family doctor in 18 months and I’m 4 years overdue for a tetanus shot. I will take my damn chances with lockjaw, thank you very much.
Trainer: Let’s get together, say 5.30 Monday?
Me: P.M.
Trainer: A.M.
*Wishes him a slow, painful death in her mind*
It isn’t all doom and gloom, folks. I am shopping for a new running wardrobe. Even planning a totally retro headband, 80s all the way, baby. My right shin is holding up pretty nicely too. Or maybe I can’t tell since every part of my body is screamin’ and hollerin’ in pain.
It gets pretty frigid in the evening but it’s the only time I put in some miles during the week. A couple of things I’ve learnt so far:
1. Your nose will run so pack tissue. Snot moustaches are not cool.
2. Drinking lots of water is making me nauseous and dizzy. I’m stopping water about 30 minutes before the run and then drinking afterwards.
3. I may have to run indoors for a while. I don’t have asthma but I’m finding the cold air makes it difficult to breathe.
4. Cars and bikes can’t see me at night and I still don’t have my reflective 
outerwear. I’m running close to major malls and streets. This is a parking lot near my work and my nomad feet pounding the pavement.
