Running blog: Best 10 miles

8.23.09

I am getting closer to race day. I have been concerned as to whether or not I am going to be able to maintain my goal; finish the race without walking. The weather this morning was perfect; 65, cloudy and light breeze. I chose to run around town in Zelienople and Harmony for two reasons: 1. my country road route is tough with the hills and I needed a break-mentally (needed to know that I can run 10 miles w/o walking). 2. Steve needed my MDX to go to Lowes. I didn’t have a definitive path mapped out, but figured I would run for 2 hrs, which should get me at my 10 mile mark (I am not a fast long distance runner). My run was wonderful!! The weather helped immensely. I finished the 10 miles in 2 hrs; right on track. Plus I proved to myself that I can run 10 miles without walking as long as there aren’t major hills at the end of the run. My body feels great; no pains just sore muscles.

Sights on my run: had to laugh when I saw a couple pulling a yellow lab that had to weigh 100lbs, in a kid’s wagon!! Thought my dog was spoiled.

Motivation songs (they energized me during the run): she’s a Runner by Billy Squier and I Wish I Had a Girl by Henry Lee Summer.

When you are running for 2 hours, even with music, you have to mentally stimulate yourself. Today my thoughts were: planning this week’s events, kept reminding myself proper form (chin up and the girls are first J), need to do more core work (this thought occurs every long run), and a conversation that my Dad and I had yesterday. He called to see how my training was going. I told him and then he wanted to know if I was enjoying it. I told him I was and that I feel and look good. He laughed at me!! Said he had never heard anyone admit that they “look good”. I told him I am looking good and I am working hard enough to earn the right to say that!!! I didn’t mean it to come out as bragging, just pure honesty. I think the one thing that I am most happy about so far, besides shaping up, is that the girls haven’t changed. If they get smaller, I foresee surgery in my future. Can’t handle being flat chested!! Overall, I am not a vain person, but with this; I am.