I did not want to run today. I felt tired and just wanted to stay in bed. I finally made myself get up and get ready, because I knew I had to "get 'er done."
As I was eating my breakfast, I realized I hadn't had my bananas, and that I didn't even have any bananas. I worried that my leg cramps would be back. But the chicken soup pulled me through, and I didn't have any problems.
I had to stay close to home, so I ran a 4.1 mile long loop through the hood, then back tracked 1.2 miles on the short loop. I did this over and over till I logged in my miles. I stopped at the house for a quick potty break after mile 4, then for water & gu at 5, 11, 16, 20. I had gatorade too. At some point, I ran in a grabbed a new battery for my mp3 player. Can't remember when it was.
My goal was to finish 20 miles. After the first 5 knocked out the cob-webs, I fell into a nice rythm and around mile 17, I felt like I was doing so well that I would try and go a little further than just 20. I hadn't put in my 5 extra miles for the week, and I felt like I had the energy to do a few more than 20. It was just an amazingly great run. Great weather, nice breeze, some sun. No dogs in the road coming after me. Just a great run.
Once a year or so, there's a run when things go well, and you just feel like you can keep going. That's how I felt at mile 20. So I went for another 4 mile loop. Funny thing was, as soon as I took off on the last 4, I started getting a side ache, then weird hip pains, and I almost threw in the towel. But I worked through them, and kept on going. My pace was a little slower for the last four, but it was still a pace I was happy with. Such a difference from last week.
At mile 20, my overall average pace was 9:31. I kept it about that pace the whole time. 10 seconds +/-, but pretty consistent. At mile 24.09, it was 9:33. I can't say what made it so great, but I'm happy with how well it went. And since I went 24, I do feel confident now that I can do 26.2. I'm glad that the long training runs are over, though. I need my Saturdays back.
I had a nice ice bath after I got back, then a warm shower, and off for errands. We went to see a dollar theater movie. I thought I'd fall asleep, but I was surprised I stayed awake. I guess 2 huge diet pepsi drinks will do that for me :-)
Thanks to Terri, RAD & Carolyn for the good positive thoughts & helping me feel like I could do it. You're the best. | 