Ow and a Brilliant!

I did my first run since the marathon tonight, and I also started dieting again. Even though I've been spinning and took two yoga classes since, I'm hopelessly out of shape ... and a bit on the fat side. Yes, it is true. I can feel parts jiggling where they didn't jiggle before, and sadly, not where a bit more jiggling would be welcomed. Why must the fat go all the way around the waist first?

So I was up between 75% ad 80% at a pace that was formerly my RECOVERY JOG during speed work sessions. A bit shocked and ashamed, I proceeded with my itinerary for the evening - 5 mile tempo run, 3 miles at 9:20ish minutes per mile (6.5 miles per hour) with a 1 mile warm up and cool down. Because of my current shape, I gave myself a two mile warm up, and a solid five minute cool down (that's just what happens when you hit the cool button on the treadmill). I tallied 5 miles at 49 minutes, and completed 5.3 miles after 54 minutes.

Even though it wasn't the easiest run, the arrival of two larger middle aged white men kept me amused (and more importantly ... distracted) during the last 15 minute stretch of 6.5 mph. The one with a goatee was about an XL and his friend on the treadmill next to me was at least an XXL ... and neither of them were of muscular build, though they may have been offensive linemen many moons ago. In any case, the gentlemen sauntered over and mounted their treadmills. The conversation was something like this ...

XXL
"You think I can do 3.5 with maybe a one incline?"

XL
"Just take it easy."

A minute later.

XXL
"I'm going to try."

XL
"No incline. ZERO."

XXL
"No, wait ... just hold on. Let me see, I think I can do this."

In My Head
Go ahead, look at my screen ... just take one little look. Yes, it does say 6.5 and the heart rate shows 170, and I'm holding the pace while breathing only through my nose. Can you do that big boy? - Machismo brings out my inner b*tch.

XL
"F*ck man, take it easy. This sh*t right here (pats the general area near the heart) is workin' hard carryin' all this weight. Just take it easy."

With the free that isn't gripping the heart sensor strip on the handle bar, XXL frantically taps at his screen, and I see his heart rate fell from 135 to 124 in about 3 seconds.

In My Head
Huh, he provided accurate information and effectively communicated the importance of maintaining aerobic exercise by using profanity laced simple sentences. XL, you just won my respect. This could very well qualify as a Brilliant! Guinness moment.