Got tiki?

I must add to some observations I made in previous postings. First of all, my cap may in fact make a difference in the way people respond. Today I wore my Leukemia & Lymphoma Society cap instead of Hillary, and two people (not runners) smiled at me and one guy smiled and talked to me as I ran back and forth in the crosswalk for 45 seconds at a red light. Back home, I took Dools out for a tinkle, and a gal walking her dog saw my cap and told me she was a Team in Training alum (NYC tri). I told her I had done that one and I was training for a marathon. She shook her head. "I could never do that," she said. "I know what you mean because I said the same thing.But you can. Believe me, if I can train to do this, anyone can." I firmly believe that and I tell anyone who will listen.

More signage from the universe: Someone nailed to a lamppost a piece of wood spray painted in swirling pastels and the word "THINK" in black stenciled capital letters. Okay. I can do that. I also saw a bumpersticker that said "Got tiki?" Now that made me think. Tiki tiki is my CWA's arm-churning technique for mastering hills. But that's two tikis, sometimes three. What the hell is "tiki" and where do you get it?

It was a pleasant enough run once I got out of the house and through the first mile. I charted a course to the Hudson River because I have managed to memorize a few points of reference for pacing. Somehow I can remember that University Place is a half mile from my apartment and 14th Street at the river is 2 miles more or less. What I didn't factor into my run today was the maddeningly long lights at the main avenues--Fifth, Sixth, Seventh Avenue South and Hudson. I timed them at 45 seconds, which is a long time in runner's world. I ducked into a remarkably clean bathroom in the park because I didn't think I'd make it home. That was a first and possibly a last. It took me 1:50 seconds. As a result of running in traffic, as it were, I don't really know if I stayed in my average pace range. I need to note the exact time I spend waiting for lights and other interruptions so that I can compute my overall time properly.

Tomorrow we're doing our longest group run. The schedule says 7 to 9 miles. I'd like to run 9, which would be my longest, but they may have the beginners do just 7. I have to trust the pros to help me train smart. I'd rather do the longest possible run because once I'm cranked up, I can just keep going--or I feel as if I can. I'll probably be better off in the long run if I follow their advice.

Note to self: Don't eat any more chocolate-covered espresso beans. You'll be sorry in the morning.

Today: 4.2
Miles to date: 86