Running Suicides

As an athlete, I have had my fair share of these aptly named drills--Suicides!

But I have been lucky enough not to have to subject myself to this "death run" since I was on the Varsity volleyball team in high school 3 1/2 years ago.

However, it is turning spring. I am on an intramural soccer team. During the whole school year, I have slacked off in my eating habits and my running habits.

I want to train myself again. Train myself in perseverance, in determination, etc.

Saturday, I went running--a short run to a nearby park. I stopped to stretch by the empty parking lot. The lines reminded me of the lines on the volleyball court I had to run back and forth between. Back and forth and forth and back.

Before I knew it, I was standing on the 1st white line of the parking lot with the Training Montage from the Rocky Story on my iPod. I was running a suicide!!!

Why? I asked myself after. Why would I do that if I didn't have to?
My legs burned after only one suicide. I was out of breath. Slowly, I made my way to the grass to work on curlups.

I was about about to leave to finish my run home, when, again!, I found myself with "Training Montage" playing just as I suddenly appeared at the first white line again. I told myself, "No," but my feet begged to run past the white line.

So, I ran a second suicide.

Though this time I could breath easy, my legs had melted. Ground and leg became the same, became fused. Finishing my last double-back, time slowed as I inched toward the starting line.

Why?

My legs are still sore today, but I'm glad of it. I'm just not used to running suicides anymore.

And now, I've found a new method of torture when running:
Today, when I ran, I did 25 ups and downs on a 25 step staircase south of campus. Not to bad, honestly, but by the end, my fastest speed was slower than those walking down the steps.

Why?

Because I want to get back into shape. Because I'm crazy. Because I know I can. Because I'm "suicidal."

Take your pick! =)