all that counts

"Big run" on Sunday: three rounds of the Academy track, uphill and downhill, just shy of 10 miles, under two hours. Mileage for the week: over 24. My progress from week to week is barely perceptible, but in all respects - pace, mileage, terrain - I got back into the range that was customary before the injury. Not quite there, but into the range.

Maybe I had a bad day, or maybe it was the temperature (19 degress when I left home before 8 am, the cold cursing through my veins like alcohol), but I was exhausted before the first round was over. I took walking breaks, my nose was running, my ears were freezing, I was not dressed right again. I never got to buy running gloves - why do we need running gloves when we run with our feet? - so I grabbed a pair of bulky mittens that belonged to my boyfriend. I ended up running like a frustrated boxer, my hands damp and hot, no part of me comfortable. I will definitely buy running gloves. By the third round the sun was stronger, and I was both sweaty and cold.

None of this mattered anymore when I finished, since all that counted was to finish.