Runnin' Runnin' and Runnin' Runnin'

So I just got back from a 4.5 mile run on this not-so-cold day and it was pretty fantastic. Today was the first time I ran for 48 minutes since December that I felt little to no pain in my ankle. I'm going to attribute this to the fact that I didn't run over the 25th Street bridge that prevents me from getting hit by a car on the FDR. (rhyme!) You see, I usually start out running downtown and then turn onto 25th Street from 2nd avenue to cross the bridge; however, today I ran down to 21st Street and 1st Avenue and just crossed the street to get to the East River. I usually try to avoid running on the streets as much as possible because it slows down my time and it's awkward to try and maneuver around pedestrians, but running the extra few blocks wasn't too too bad. 

I originally set out to run to the Brooklyn Bridge and back (6 miles, from my apt), but the path I was traveling on was cut-off by a huge snow bank that prevented me from moving forward, so I just turned around and headed home. It all works out though, because I was still kind of hungover at this point. But let me tell you, running is a great cure for a hangover. . .I feel great! 

Something I learned today is that other runners are considerably happier on Saturdays in the afternoon than they are at 7AM on a weekday. I had a smile returned to me 4 times today, and this was a treat. I was told by someone (really, I can't remember who) that it is an unwritten rule that you smile at other runners as you pass them as kind of a solidarity thing. In Jersey, this proved to be true and sometimes I even got the occasional "Get it girl!" from a friendly biker in Astoria, but Manhattan. Jeeze. I have had a smile returned maybe twice before today, and I have smiled at every single runner/biker I have seen. How rude! 

Because of this, I've decided to start a "Smile Count" to see how many I get back every day. I'm hoping this number will grow as the months progress. If you see me running, smile back!!!

Alright, time to shower and then drank. Yup, I'm a healthy runner. This might turn out to be another thing working against me...but we'll just pretend it's not for now. 

 

SMILE COUNT: 4