First Long Run In A Long Time

Today was my first long run in a long, long time. It was 5 miles, which doesn't seem like much compared to where I was before, but this has been my biggest lesson since I started running again. I cannot compare myself now to who I was then. They're two totally different people.

All I can do is try to improve from where I am now. I've had a pretty good week. I've done some heavier lifting, which I love and haven't done in a while.

I've also been running. My summer goal is to run more and be more consistent. I found a plan that I like that also includes lifting. I was going to start it in July because this month has been all about home improvement projects, and I have to teach theatre camp next week.

I realized yesterday that, without meaning to, I have already been following the plan. I did an upper body workout and then took two rest days. There was only one in the plan, but that's okay. I did an awesome morning run, which was my fastest in a long time. It was supposed to be a tempo run, so that works. Yesterday was an easy run, which I did when I ran with my girl. She has just started the c25k app, so it was a nice, easy interval workout.

Today was my long run. Honestly, the first three miles sucked. My feet were cramping, and my calves were really tight. I did a lot of walk/run intervals and walked more than I wanted. I almost quit a couple of times. It switched to a mental training day, but I managed to push through. My legs finally loosened up around mile three, and the last two miles felt pretty good.

The first hill almost made me quit.

It was such a beautiful morning, and I am so glad that I pushed on for the whole 5 miles. First long run is complete, and I can only get better from here!

New Things

Today was all about new things.

I had a 12 mile run to do, which is a distance I have not done in two years. It felt new. I also was trying several new products. Probably not the greatest idea to do them all at once and add it to a long run, but I've only got a few weeks left. Luckily, it went well.

New Mizunos!

The Asics have been fine, but they feel heavy and clumpy. I like to run races in Mizunos. I found a pair for super cheap, and they are beautiful. Most shoes need to be broken-in, but I've never needed to do that with Mizunos. They are ready to go. I did a 2 miler on Saturday morning, and they felt great. I knew I'd be okay for 12. They were comfortable the whole time. Love these shoes!!!

New Hydration Backpack!

I've been wanting one of these for a while. I'm excited to use it for hiking and bike rides, too. I wasn't sure how I would feel about running with a pack, but it was hardly noticeable, and being hydrated for the whole run was incredible. I struggle with swollen hands and dry mouth during most long runs, and this time it wasn't an issue. Loved it.

Ucan?

I was not sure how I would like this new kind of liquid nutrition. I used to use Gu, but it made me ill after a while. I can't eat them now. Michelle let me try some of the stuff she uses for triathalon training. It's made of all good stuff and offered consistent energy throughout my run. This was very impressive to me. The tough stuff didn't hit me until the last mile. I felt really good for most of the run, and when I started to struggle I still managed to finish with run/walk intervals. I've never felt that strong on a long run. The taste was mild and not disgusting. Not my favorite. It had a strange texture, but again, not unpleasant. It worked really well, and I'll definitely be using it for the half.

It was a good run. Did I walk? Sometimes, but they were shorter stretches. I really tried to focus on keeping my walks short this time. Was I fast? No. Definitely not. But, I felt good. I didn't push the pace. I did what I felt like doing but tried to push myself. I was hurting by the end, but I feel great about it. It went well, and I have a 12-miler under my belt. It's been a while since I've done that.

I'm still doing well with my eating. I've stayed on-track all weekend. This is huge for me. I tend to eat/drink whatever I want when I travel or at special occasions. This time I was determined to stick to the plan and made sure I brought plenty of healthy snacks. It worked.

So Close

I had a long run on my training plan for today. 9 miles. It's been a long time since I ran that far, but I was ready and excited to do it. Yesterday was an active rest day, so I took the Moon Dog for a walk and practiced my TKD pattern. My legs were feeling refreshed and up to the task.

I chose a really hilly route. I don't have many flat options. There are hills in every direction. I need to run hills anyway because the Leaf Peeper is a hilly course. Plus, I like a challenge. I also decided to try for 10 miles instead of 9. Like I said, I like a challenge. Might as well get uncomfortable. It's been a very long time since I did a double-digit run, and while they're tough, I also secretly love them.

My mind is always the biggest challenge when I run. It's hard to not compare my run to a time when it was easier. I remember running every hill without too much trouble (back when I was training for the marathon). Today I walked some of the hills. I'm just not in that place anymore. I'm learning to accept that, and I know that with consistency I will get back to that place again. Still, it can be hard to stay positive. That was my goal today. Stay positive, walk when needed, and enjoy the run.

I did pretty well. I went slow, but I got it done.

My wonderful husband brought me water and food after I'd done about 7 miles. I'm very lucky that he is so supportive of my crazy endurance habit and willing to bring me supplies and pick me up when needed. I was really happy to see him today. It was hot, and my hands were swollen from lack of water. I took a break, refueled, and we hit a few balls at the driving range before I continued my run.

The break was nice at first (and definitely fun), but I regretted it once I started going again. My legs were tight and not interested in loosening up again. The heat was worse, and I was running in an area with no shade. It was rough. I pushed through for a while, but I was getting close to crashing and quickly texted Andy to pick me up and bring more water.

My total distance was 9.75 miles. So close! Still, it felt good to get a good long run in, and I'm enjoying the post-run soreness. I did it! And, I'll do it again. Next week I will get into the double digits. That's my next goal. I'm happy with what I did today, though. It's reminding me that I can do this again and get back to the place I was before.