The Broad Running Broad

So this past week didn’t quite go as I planned with training.

But, I’m more than okay with it.

To recap this past week: Monday night was a run in New Albany. I wanted to try a different scene, and I figured I could park downtown around Rose Run Park, run a five-mile loop to break in some new shoes, and call it an evening.

I got lost around the country club.

Which, in all fairness, there are far worse places to get lost at.

I wound up getting out Google Maps on my phone to find my way back to the car (and then getting turned around in the parking lot) and ran 7.5 miles instead.

Wednesday was another long run planned after work. While Monday was wonderful, Wednesday was anything but.

It was in the upper 60s/low 70s and sunny on Wednesday evening, which I didn’t prepare for as well as I thought I had. I poured my electrolytes into my water bottle at work, but forgot to get the air out. Come run time, I popped open the bottle and my drink shot all over me and my hand. Since my drink was all over my front, I only had half of my electrolytes for the run.

Adding to the heat was the hill I always underestimate, which took the wind out of me. 7.2 miles were done, but they were not productive or frankly happy miles.

The next two-ish days consisted of stiff hands, a migraine that I’m attributing to barometric pressure changes, and struggling through work Friday to stay functional when everything on my body was hurting. I’m still not sure what was wrong with me on Friday.

Then to add insult to injury … I’m trying to think of the most diplomatic way to put this … I’ve spent the past few days dealing with the consequences of a dietary choice I spent the past week making. A delicious choice, but as I’ve been learning over the past few days, a genuinely stupid one.

I thought the migraine would be the frustrating part, but it turns out the consequences of the dietary choice have been worse. My energy came back Saturday afternoon, so I originally planned to go on my long run today. However, my body said “I don’t think so” and the long run didn’t happen.

But I told you all earlier I was okay with it, and here’s why.

Yesterday I had a volunteer shift as a course marshal for the Crooked Shillelagh 4 Miler. The race takes place on the west side in Hilliard, so I spent the early part of my evening over there having a ball on the course. We had a windy but sunny day, which was a pleasant change from the thunderstorms we had the few days prior. I noticed the daffodils and hyacinth along the bike path had bloomed, and as cheesy as it sounds, fresh spring flowers are the reminder I need that sunny days are almost here. So seeing them brings me joy.

I also love seeing the runners and walkers decked out in green. Everyone takes the dress code seriously at the Crooked Shillelagh.

The race takes place around dinner time, and I had a hankering for fish ‘n chips. Not too far away from Hilliard is Dublin, and up in Dublin in the Bridge Park District is Fado Pub and Kitchen. I’ve been there before, and I knew they have fish ‘n chips.

I also knew because it’s Dublin and St. Patrick’s Day weekend, it would be crowded.

So I said something that rhymes with “bucket” and decided to treat myself to an impromptu date night.

Just as I figured, Dublin was crowded. There was plenty of green sweaters, green beer and the start of some shenanigans. I didn’t know a band would be playing at Fado until I had to pay the cover charge, and I’m still surprised I managed to get a bar stool.

I also never realized how big Fado actually is until I was wandering around inside looking for a seat. I’m digressing.

The fish ‘n chips came pretty quickly and they were fresh from the fryer. Reader-friends, I might have found the new contender for Lindey’s Lake House as my favorite place for fish ‘n chips. My cod was perfect.

Then it was time for the band to play. I know I’ve heard Irish music before, but listening on YouTube and hearing it in person are two very different things. I was moving, toe-tappin’, clapping along and having fun like I hadn’t had in a while.

And to think I was planning on driving back to my side of town and getting Chick-fil-A on the way home.

So Reader-Friends, I guess the lesson of this week is: roll with the punches, rest when you need to, avoid ice cream like the plague, and don’t forget to have fun on a whim. Life can’t just be go to work, pay bills and run all the miles because you oughta. Sometimes, you need to go out in the sunshine, admire the freshly bloomed flowers, and celebrate with the other leprechauns.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Allison