I was forced to confront a hard, bitter truth yesterday.
It was a tough pill to swallow - not unlike the zinc tablets that I try to swallow without water only to find them sticking at the back of my throat and releasing a nasty, metallic taste and making me gag. I do this because if I had water I'd have another cup to wash up. Yes, I can be that lazy that I'd rather gag than wash up a single glass.
The truth that I learnt?
I run like a girl!
And I don't mean that in a good way. As in 'I am woman hear me roar'. Or in a tough, feminist, armpit-hair-growing, anything-a-boy-can-do-a-girl-can-do-better-while-knitting-the-family-sweaters-and-making-a-gourmet-dinner-because-I'm-girl-therefore-I-can-multi-task way.
No I mean in the running-like-I'm-wearing-too-small-Barbie-high-heels-and-flapping-my-hands-like-I've-seen-a-mouse style of running.
I had an image in my head when I started running hills and trails again of how I looked. That image had my muscular quads powering me up inclines. I was as sure-footed as a mountain goat - leaping over rocks and roots with ease. I was strong and tough - without having to have a tattoo to prove just how strong and tough I was.
Then I saw the picture that my squad-mate Trudy took on yesterday's run. It totally shattered my delusion.
And because I'm all about honesty and openness on this blog, I felt I had to share the bitter truth. Even though I will lose all my street cred and hard-core reputation.
Shameful isn't it?! And this was on a relatively un-technical part of the trail. Heaven knows how bad it looked on the tough bits.
The other photo she took was much nicer. Even though I was holding onto that tree for dear life because I'm a little bit scared of rugged downhills, I could at least manage a smile and a nonchalant pose that gives the illusion that this trail-running caper is a breeze.
So there you go - as a trail runner I've got a lot of work to do. And I will start by trying to get the hand-flapping under control.
Yesterday's photos weren't all bad, though. I managed to snap this one of Toby who's trying to step up and help more around the house now that Sam's gone. He decided that he could help bring in some of the groceries. Those king-size toilet rolls were a challenge but Toby isn't one to give in easily. He just clamped his jaws down hard and wrestled them inside.
We will probably have to tear the first few sheets off a couple of those rolls.
Oh, I bet if Trudy had used that super fast shutter thing and taken a series of pictures you would look just like you did in your mind - one picture can be deceiving!!!
ReplyDeletePlus - we might as well have fun pictures - keeps life interesting!!
OK after many years of trail running, let me have a look at those pictures:
ReplyDeleteMoving your arms out for balance is the right thing to do (we don't want you falling as you speed over the trails), The I notice how your right foot is heading for the clearer ground, which means you are planning your foot strikes as you run, looking like a true champ.
Picture 2: pole dancing, so I bet that is why she took the picture.
I need to get on the trails this weekend.
Arm flapping - LOVE it! And I think Coach hit it on the button with pole dancing. ;-)
ReplyDeletePS I knew you would understand about not dropping the girlfriend!
It's OK, we all have our girl moments. I almost broke down just this afternoon because I wanted CHOCOLATE instead of LUNCH, but I was ravenous, and know that I had to eat LUNCH first, but CHOCOLATE sounded so much better.
ReplyDeleteAnyway. Hm - what if you try the touch-thumb-to-middle-finger-tip trick? It's a bit harder to flap while maintaining that position, so maybe it will help?
I'd like to running hills and trails over rocks and roots ... I'll give it a try as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteIn April a 10 km race will be held in the hill.
Have a nice weekend!
To be fair you're running downhill in that pic so one must flap and float. It's only right. Cannot imagine how warm it is there compared to our below zero stuff...not that I enjoy heat or anything...
ReplyDeletehehe, I am an arm flapper on the trails too....I have terrible balance, LOL!
ReplyDeleteI think you look graceful and elegant. You are too hard on yourself.
ReplyDeleteOh Toby, helping with the chores. What a sweetie.
How nice of Toby to help. That dog is a keeper for sure. Maybe he thought it was a new toy for him though?
ReplyDeleteToby is a well refined gentle"man". Believe me, the photos are beautiful, especially the second (despite all those dangerous roots).
ReplyDeleteTOOOBY!!!! Ha, I know what you mean on the running form. I don't think I run like my female counterparts, but at times when I start getting a little full of myself thinking I've got this running thing down, I get a photo of myself and I look NOTHING like the really good runners. I'm getting better, but nothing at all like what I imagine in my mind.
ReplyDeleteHmm you do look a bit girly. I'm sure it's just a trick of the camera though, and you are usually much more like a mountain goat.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem girly, but what's wrong with girly?! After all, you are one.
ReplyDeleteI suspect it's just the moment she's caught you in.
ReplyDeleteAs I live on the esplanade and there's a great walking / running / cycling track opposite (on the ocean side) I get to see all manner of people running past. I've learned not to think bad thoughts about any of them as they're out there... unlike me!
We have no grace on the trails, that's the glory of it all.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to show my boys Toby so they will get a hint at helping out! Well, at 18, there's probably no hope left. :)