Stop and Go

I hate stopping during a run. Stopping to tie a shoe, stopping to wait until it's safe to cross the street, stopping so I don't run into the pedestrian that somehow seems to be taking up the entire sidewalk, even having to stop on the treadmill because I accidentally dislodged the emergency stop button....I hate it all. The last time my shoe came untied, I swore profusely and pouted (I've clearly got other issues, people). Unless I have elected to take a needed walk break, I always feel like I am cheating. Sure, I ran 4 miles, but I stood on the curb, waiting for the light to change, for 40 seconds. Two or three times. That cancels it all out, right? Real runners would make up for that time, right (or run into traffic!? EEK)?

Since the weather is finally improving here-- and by that I mean the temps are actually near 40 degrees and most of the snow has melted enough that the sidewalks offer more than 5 inches of passable space-- I have been lucky enough to take my runs outside for the past few weeks. Since cars and people are always factors in urban--and suburban-- running, this has meant many of the types of stops I mentioned.  Amazingly, I haven't sworn or screamed. I have mumbled a few choice words to myself...I try to be a considerate runner, I do, but you gots so put down the phones and watch where you are going people! Also, maybe your group doesn't take up the whole sidewalk? And here's something drivers: stop signs mean STOP. The instructions are written right there.

I digress. I've got issues.

I have started to embrace these brief stops. Maybe I am cheating. But it feels so good. And frankly, what else am I supposed to do? I've got to be safe, and honestly, it makes the 3-4 miles way more bearable. That may be because I get to take a short "rest'"or because I've taken the pressure off myself. I'm not sure what the "official" word on this is, but for me, it seems to be working.