Running It Alone

One of the benefits of being virtually cut off from your social life in the states in Paris is, as I said before, there are plenty of things to do, one of my favorites was walking or taking the metro over to one of the many parks.
I always went by myself and had a fabulous time. Unfortunately, Memphis has horrid public transportation (as do many cities) and makes going to the park a bit more of a hassle.
Because the streets are so busy, I can't really run to the park.
In essence I have to drive to go running.
Or run amongst the "little boxes" of suburbia.
But still I hate driving, so it will have to do.
It was nice to be cut off for a while and have some time to myself. I have come to really miss that about being in Paris. Of course, I would eventually make friends if I ever moved there and have people who care enough to call or text from time to time which would certainly alter all that "alone time," but still. For a while it a was a nice perk of being abroad.
No one expected much except an occasional Facebook post just to know I'm alive. Another reason I love flying.
It is a little harder to fall off the face of the planet here. Fortunately I have a plethora of folks that would notice if I went missing off the Facebook or seemed to be without a phone. I don't deserve any of them, but am so thankful that I have them anyway.
So I just go running. And even opt to turn off the phone for the day. Next time, I should remember to let people know I'm alive at least, ha.
It was a really great weekend away from it all, just cooped up in the house. Thinking, planning, cleaning. Getting anxious.
I have a run in a week and a half.
It's my first one.
Originally, the St. Jude Half Marathon was going to be my first one. Sure, it is a huge and official race (even a Boston Marathon qualifier), but I am running it in the company of my brother (who will actually probably leave me behind), so it shouldn't be so bad.
But still, I felt like I needed the social challenge of doing something on my own. Sure, I train by myself, but the thought of having to figure out all these packet pick ups and starting line stuff brings me such anxiety that I figured I should man up, get some independence, and do the first one on my own.
I guess my anxiety means I'm alive right?