I've done 19 runs thus far in the cycle -- seems like a lot more. Some have been abysmal, some have been out of this world, but none were quite like today. I have a running joke (pun intended) with my dad about Van Cortlandt Park -- "did you know they sodded it?" -- usually said as we drive by on the Henry Hudson. This joke came about a few years ago when the New York City Parks department sodded the grass in the fields of VCP. It really is a lame joke and to you reading this post means nothing, but for me, it encompasses what VCP means. As it is home to countless cross country races, I have heard stories from my dad and godfather for years about VCP and the trails. I called him this morning as I was getting ready to meet my really good running partner, John. My dad said something to the effect of "you are going to have so much fun, that is where my running career started." And for me, even though it has taken me 22 years to finally run VCP, to some effect it was the start of my running career. Stories have a way to make you feel like you have lived through different periods of someone else's life. When I was younger I would always ask my dad to tell me stories and a lot of running stories included VCP. I guess that is where my love of this crazy sport came from. I always dreamt of running VCP.
Yesterday I did 12 miles as my long run, so today's run was really about seeing the course for the first time, having good company and shaking out the legs. All three were accomplished and I know for sure it won't be the last time I'll run VCP. The last time I had seen John was at the Oakley Women's Mini 10k in June when he was cheering me on. It was a real treat to be able to run with him in New York as we both claim it as "home" (most of the time). John also brought along his friend Neil, an avid runner going to compete at the WMA Outdoor Championships in France. It was very kind of them to run me through the "tortoise and the hare trail"-- it had some killer back hills, but a picture perfect finish. I was able to hit the runner's high today, mostly due to the location and everything that it has meant to me. So, thanks Dad for always talking about Van Cortlandt, introducing me to running and never letting me forget that they sodded the park. And, thanks to John (and Neil) for running with me, today and always. But, especially today in a perfect setting. And Dad, yes I did know they sodded it.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Megan FloodMegan is 29 and a 14-time marathoner. She is hoping to Boston Qualify one day. She doesn't know exactly how this blogging will go, but she is giving it her best shot! Archives
June 2019
Categories |
Marathoning Megan