Back in the Saddle!

Finally, after a crazy week, everything seems to be getting back to "normal" around here. The sinus infection is gone and it's back to work for me - tomorrow...

I got out on Saturday for the 12 mile run. It was hot and humid as usual and I was very nervous starting out. Having only run once last week (an easy 5 last Monday) and being sick made me a bit apprehensive about the 12. My energy throughout last week was zapped. By Friday, I was feeling much better and thought the long run on Saturday would be tough, but but certainly doable. Pretty much nailed that feeling. We started out slow and steady. But, for some reason after mile 2, the pace picked up. Someone would comment that we're going too fast and we'd slow down, but soon we would be moving again. All I kept thinking was that if we continue this pace, I will not make the full 12. Fortunately, we did find a pace to keep everyone happy. We made 3 water stops - all were ABSOLUTELY necessary! By mile 10, I was just about done. I didn't have much left in the tank.

At this point, I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and I started wondering if this is what the last few miles of the marathon would be like. Then I thought, that's 26 miles - this is only 12! I finally got to our stopping point and wanted to collapse. It was already everything I could do to get there, now I have to walk 1/4 mile to the gym??? I was pleased that I got through that run. I felt like it was a confidence booster.

This morning we ran 5 miles. It was at a pretty quick pace (as usual for a Monday). I was very sore starting out. But flushed out everything by the end and I'm feeling really good now. Funny thing about Kentucky weather, this morning it was cooler than Saturday, but much more humid. Within 2-3 hours, the humidity was gone and today has turned out to be one of the nicest days of the summer! I'm am so glad I didn't have to work today!

Tomorrow is a rest day then speedwork on Wednesday and an easy 4 on Thursday. This weekend I journey into the unknown. The farthest I've ever run in my life so far is 13.1 miles. I will be passing that distance with a 14 miler on Saturday!

Honestly, I can't wait!