Moreno: That Tingly Feeling

By Britt Moreno

Much to my dismay, it was restless sleep...

One where I flipped the pillows a half dozen times, wrestled with the blankets and stared at the clock. That night before my first group run I couldn't shake the anxiety. I can't pinpoint why I was feeling unsettled. Perhaps, I was scared of failing? Or maybe I just didn't want to be late.

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I had my running clothes laid out the night before and I didn't bother with makeup, so getting ready for the most part was easy. Until I realized I was missing a key detail. Where the heck were my tennis shoes?  I wore them the day before and shoved them in a place where they would be "out of the way". But where was that place!? Half awake and not yet caffeinated I scoured my place for my Asics. They didn't turn up. The clock was ticking (it was 5:15 a.m.), so I dove into the back of my closet and pulled out a pair of older "cross trainers". Can I run 7 miles in these? Our producer would be at the run with a photographer documenting this group run and I couldn't let Karen Morfitt down (my coworker whom I was set to run alongside). The answer would have to be "yes"!

After spilling ALL my coffee in the car while speeding towards the run location to avoid being late, I get there and meet a new community. I get out of the car and am surprised to see dozens of people. A colorful crowd of pony-tails, visors and sports watches. An eclectic group of men and women of all ages all united by the desire to do something productive with their morning. They were there to train, log some miles and run in unity. Instantly I felt a buzz. I realize my anxiety turned to excitement! How fun to be motivated by others and perhaps return that inspiration.

On this particular day a Brooks running rep was there asking people to try on shoes. Perfect! "Maybe my morning is turning around after all," I thought. I needed running shoes and frankly any pair would have been better than the old trainers. Still the "Brooks Ghost 9" felt pretty nice. They are soft and laced up snugly around my feet. This is about when Karen (Ms. can run ten miles and Stairmaster for an hour, Karen) said we were running eight miles rather than seven. Thanks, Karen.

We joined our group and we were off! After mile two, I felt that tingly sensation again. No, not *that* one (I made sure to potty before), but that sense of restlessness. I wanted to jog faster! I ran ahead of the group for maybe a ½ mile and stopped at the water station.  The running coach happened to there and dropped the hammer. I was chastised. I was instructed to run the first part of a race slowly then finish out the latter half or end of a race faster and stronger than the beginning. With my tail between my legs I rejoined the group and we chugged our way to four miles! Yay, halfway!

On the turn around, the tingles again. I needed to pull away (just a little). I wanted this to be a work out and I was feeling some adrenaline, so I ran ahead for that last four miles. This showed me that I need to continue to work on consistency. I also may need to join a slightly faster group and see if I can hang. My method is trial and error. If I can't hang with a faster group for a longer run, then I will drop back in speed. Later that afternoon when the adrenaline wore off, I took a nap and slept just fine.