I planned on running around Stone Mountain last night and I didn't want to get a stitch in my side or feel ill as I ran so I only had about 3 tablespoons of dinner.  We ate late and ran about 20 minutes after dinner.  Stone Mountain is about 5 miles with lots of hills if you run around it.  I feel like  it's a good choice to prepare me for the 10K Classic.

I ran the 10K Classic twice.  The first time I only had two weeks to train for it, and could barely run a 5k, and I finished it in 78 minutes.  The next year, I had fallen and injured my rotator cuff.  The doctor didn't want me to run, but I ran anyway.  I was in a lot of pain, but I finished it in 88 minutes.  I trained on stairs, and only had about two weeks training for that race too. 

This year, I came off of a broken tail bone and an injured ankle.  So, my training is again, beginning much later than I would prefer it to be.  Plus, I'm in the middle of painting the inside of my house. 

 
We left to run just before 8pm.  Thankfully, my iPod/Nike+ sensor decided to work again.  I held it in my hand as I did the past few weeks as that seems to be the only way my sensor likes to work.

I had a sore throat, which I took tylonal for before I ran, and it only took some of the pain away, but I also used my nebulizor, so that helped with the asthma.  I've not a clue what I'm allergic to at this time of year, but it's pretty bad.  I usually end up with broncular pnemonia by Thanksgiving because of whatever it is I'm allergic too.  I have to also to remember to take Clariten.  And the doctor said that if one isn't strong enough, the prescription strength is two, so I can take two if need be.

I start off with "Beautiful Day" by U2.  It's good for getting those legs to stretch out for a good run.  I always seem to start off slowly.  I really need to pick up my time on the first mile.  My goal was to cut 4 minutes off my time.  I wanted to come in under 60 minutes.  "Human" by the Killers is next, another good running song.

There is a slight upgrade as I begin.  The slight upgrade will eventually round up to be a fairly long, more steep hill.  I don't know how long it lasts.  My best guess is it's about 3 miles.

When I get to mile 2, and I feel like stopping, I have this song that says "Hold on I'm coming." it's an old song.  And then I have Michael Jackson "The Way You Make Me Feel" and he sings lines like "Come on Girl!"  It really is inspiring me to push it on up the hill.  And then when I think I can't run any more I get "Head Strong" by Trapt, to push me up the final part of the hill.  I make myself run as fast as I can up the hill as if I were passing someone or several someones whenever the chorus comes on.  And I have to keep a good tempo run during the rest of the song.  I think I can take time off at this part if I make sure I actually RUN up the hill instead of a jog.  The hill is at it's steepest during that song. 

Finally get to a straight-away. This is where the sidewalk ends and I have a short time running through a parking lot.  "Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky comes on.  More hard work.  My second 5 minute song in a row where I have told myself that I have to run the entire song.  And when it says "Getting strong now." I am actually supposed to speed up.  This is difficult.  I'm buggered by now, but strangely, I'm feeling exhilarated, because I actually still have some energy.  I've run this 3 times before and this is where I end up walking, panting and just want to give up, but this time, I'm thrilled by the fact that I feel stronger, so that helps me to push on the straightaway!

Just when I can't take it any more on comes "She Works Hard for Her Money", By Donna Summer.  I can't wuss out and walk NOW.  I have to work hard, keep running.  I check my speed, my time.  I'm running 11 minutes something, it felt much faster, I must be tired.

"Kryptonite" and "Eye of the Tiger" I'm heading up hill.  I can take it any more.  The hill is steep.  I'm running, but if I were going any slower, I'd be going backwards.  My legs are killing me, I'm dripping sweat like it's raining out.  I'm rather wishing it would begin to sprinkle again, just to cool me off.  I try to say "hi" to a passing runner but all that comes out is a croak.

"Closer" by Ne-Yo comes on.  And for some reason, it really inspires me.  I'm getting closer to the finish line and that's when I really pick up speed and actually run my fastest.  I'm going up hill at 9 minutes something for a mile.  I check my time and there's just no way that I can finish in 59 minutes.  I have 10 minutes to go in order to do it.  I try to run faster.

I feel like there is nothing left in me.  My legs are wanting to give out on me.  I decide to just forget it and walk, but on comes "Because I want you" by Placebo.  It really inspires me to run no matter what I feel like.  "Don't give on the dream.  Don't give up on the wanting."  with lines like that, how can you just give up. I take off with what feels like fresh legs and I tear off down the road at top speed.  I'm pulling with each step, forgotten is the pain I had just been in.  "Don't give up on the dream.  Don't give up on the wanting.  Becuase I want you to."