Running Long

It was dark out still when I rolled out of bed to head out for today’s long run. I had resisted getting out of bed for 30 minutes and finally gave up the fight. If only the sun would rise earlier. I am *so* looking forward to the upcoming time change.

I was already wearing my running clothes, so all I had to do was put on my shoes and socks, and grab my gear and go. With my strawberry bar in hand, I drove to the coffee shop for a small skinny latte. I drank about 1/4 of it and left the rest in the van for after the run.

I wanted today’s long run to be at a nice, easy pace. At the same time, I was on a tight schedule for the day as I had appointments at JC and to get my haircut. I ran a steady pace and didn’t stop at all along the way. I just ran and marked my laps at each mile marker along the way. I let Garminia keep the time and I tried not to look.

The air was cool and the people were friendly as I set out on the trail for my 17 mile training run. It would be an out-and-back run along a scenic path through the local parks. I felt like Miss Mary Ann as I acknowledged everyone I passed (whether they cared or not), and gave them a friendly Hello. I don’t know if they were having “fun at play”, but I was – for the most part.

At about mile 10, I could feel my legs getting a bit heavier on me. I ate my vitamin bar and drank some more water. My GU at mile 6 was obviously long gone. I thought about how far I have come in staying on my diet and continuing with my training. It hasn’t been easy, but I am pleased that my body seems to be performing pretty well with the fewer calories to this point.

In the September-October issue of Marathon & Beyond, Guy Avery writes a nice article about training and racing in your zone. He talks about balance and how essential it is to train with focus and intention. It would seem that I have been in my personal training zone this past month. I am almost afraid to notice.

With about 4 miles to go, I was coming up on a guy who had passed me a few miles back. We were basically running about the same pace but this was my point to turn up the effort a bit. I clicked past a few of the slower songs in my playlist and passed on his left. He tucked in behind me and stuck with me for the next couple of miles.

I turned it up even more for the final mile. That was when I saw Cindy and the gang coming towards me. I screamed “WOO-HOO!” She was looking good and was feeling great. I finished off my final mile and then I finished off the rest of my skinny latte.