A Long Run

At this point in my training I need to make decisions; do I build strength for hills, or do I build distance?  Weather, time, strength, knees and ankles are the main actors that I consider.

The weather was pretty good.  I didn't really have the time I felt I needed; I had plans with my wife.  But Brenda said, "Go for how ever long you want - I know you don't have many opportunities."  So, I went out not knowing for sure how far I would go.  

After about 2 miles, I decided I would make this a long run.  I was going to go for 15 miles, but I didn't know if I could make it - I'd never run that far before.  The first 6 miles were with my dog, but that's about all that she wants to go.  So, when I dropper her at home I took about 4 swigs of Gator Aid and kept running.

This day 15 miles would mean 10 laps around Jamaica Pond + a little more.  It takes a long time to run long distances.  There are points when I felt good, and points when I was bored, and points when I was kind of hurting - but things were going well till about 11 miles.  Then my body stops wanting to do this.  I think it's partially because I haven't yet developed a good hydration or energy boosting plan.  After the 6 mile mark, I generally don't drink, and I seem to hit a kind of wall at around 12 miles.

The goal of 15 miles, however, helped me press through and prevail through the challenges.  I made it!  One very small step for mankind, but one huge one for me.  When I stop, I had nothing left - it was very difficult to walk home.  But, I recovered remarkably quickly.