Baton

Left Ankle's Eternal Comfort

So old man has started the return to running.  Physical Therapist has given the green light to go easy till Grand Canyon.  He forced me, with threats of a pending MRI, to add some protection. I now have a crutch, in the form of a fairly rigid ankle brace.  I feel like I am a step closer to runner's retirement.   Hopefully I still have thousands of trail miles still I ahead before I buy the road bike (note: I am not shaving my legs when that day arrives).

I was eager to get 3 grassy miles in, and test the ankle and its lifelong straight jacket.  My running partner called, and insisted I join him for a few miles.  I warned him I could be running at record slow pace, where racing a tortoise wasn't a guaranteed victory. After a bit of a pause, he decided to invite me for some loops around the soccer fields AFTER he finished the meat of his workout. I agreed.

2 hours later, after the office unleashed the Friday 3:30 surprise workload beast on me.  The Kraken simply overwhelms you, over-riding any hopes at starting your weekend even a second early. After sending off the disgruntled text to my running companion, I battled the beast with all my might, determined to not let this monster eat away at my entire afternoon.  It relented at 530pm.  At this time, another opportunity arose, via the serenade of my daughter.  My favorite words drummed through her young vocal cords - "Dad can we go run?" 

Her Favorite Running Outfit
She makes pink look so stylish!

I was joined by my two future training partners for 1.5 grassy miles.  My daughter, Brenna has the concept of pace down. She can pull off 1.5miles without much of a pause. My German Shorthaired Pointer (Ainsleigh) however, starts off similar to a sled dog, yanking on the leash as if I was the sled in the Iditarod.   I've learned to deal with this for the first 1/2 mile of most of the runs with her.  By then I am safely away from civilization and she is taken off leash. 

Dumbo?

I don't push to get Brenna out the door for runs with me. I don't want to be that running parent who pounded the running passion out of their children.  She asks me whenever the mood sparks her. However,  during the run, I have found my coaching instincts kicking in.  As I hear her complaints, typical of any runner. "Dad I have a cramp, can I stop", I provide her encouragement.   "Let's run a little slower together".  It typically lasts only a minute or so before she is back to full conversation. 

Today's run encorporated a race, a good 200meter catch game.  Those that know her and I, recognize the competitive zeal we both share.   I had about a 25yrd headstart (she was distracted previously by something), so I challenged her to beat me to the soccer goals up ahead. Despite complaints, she found the motivation and energy for a go at it. I reminded her to pace it, not to sprint early and tire out. She did great!  Caught me with only a few choppy strides remaining to the finish.  Upon finishing, coach arrived again.  "Don't stop,  let's jog slowly".  She was silent, except for the heavy breathing for only a minute.  Then back to the chatty little LaBranche she is.

My Daughter's impression of a Superwoman
FastCory jump!

At some point, this girl is going to be a very special running surprise to a coach.  I'll do my best to keep the desire to run in her while slowly dolling out tips I've learned from the trade.  The potential is enormous in her, and I can't wait to see her dominate the track scene.  School records maybe? The family baton will be dusty,  but it will be handed to another LaBranche in a few years.  Then I can retire on the road bike.

Hold on ankle...we are not done quit yet.

Her velcro shoes kept falling off, not out of convenience I might add