Does seven days make one weak?

Is this what I look like in that mode?
(Courtesy tamra hays @ Flickr)

As the timelapserunner looks ahead to next week, he can't help but focus on those activities that will most occupy his time (besides sleeping, that is). Those would be grading papers and working out. Perhaps he's looking through glass-half-empty spectacles, thinking only of what would appear to be drudgery to many. I suppose it's true that many a teacher has gazed upon a large stack of papers (on the desk or in the cloud) and dreaded getting started on the marking process. It's also true that most non-runners would look forward to a fifteen mile run like they would a visit to the dentist - a three plus hour visit to the dentist! Somehow, the timelapserunner will find enjoyment in both those activities this week. At least that's the plan.


It's one of those times during the semester when lengthy lab reports start showing up - fifteen or twenty pages each of highly technical text, figures and number accompanied by Excel files full of detailed calculations in support of the research contained in the reports. The (virtual) stack of papers is high as is the activation energy needed to begin the task. However, once we start the process there is a great sense of fulfillment that starts to permeate the experience. Here, the teacher gets to provide feedback on what students have done well and how they can improve their next effort. This teacher spent more than 40 years training to do this, it turns out, so he has much he can offer - and in the offering there is the satisfaction of being of help to the ones learning. Of course, even the teacher - if he is alert to the process - learns as well. The effort may not classify as 'fun' but it does credit itself as rewarding.

Then there's this week's workouts.

The weather at this time of year is often glorious and this coming week looks to fall into that category with no highs in the 90s and all the lows below 70.

That's a good thing, for the workload is still ramping up, especially the long run. The schedule for Week 14 has the timelapserunner putting in a 15-miler at week's end, yet another distance record if achieved.

There's a distinct possibility that we will make adjustments to the actual schedule based on a conflicting-but-special opportunity next Saturday morning. We'll let you know after the fact.

15 miles. My goodness. Whodathunkit?