Notes
This was another really, really good long run for me. I felt strong, comfortable, and good throughout. I'm amazed. I'm amazed because I've done so many longs lately & they've all been good. I also wasn't sure with the touch of whiplash and seeing stars yesterday that I would have my head on straight enough to feel good on the run today, but I didn't have any trouble at all. Since July 11th I've done 20, 16 (in Hull), 20, 22, 20 & 22. I didn't think that was possible. Thanks to Jaira for encouraging me in this.
Met the Lunatics at 0530. Ran with Robin & Jaira to Scott with other group members in sight for most of it. Met Maria & Karen at Scott and they joined us. Also saw Peggy, James, and others doing the trail run. So, the 5 of us continued on. Maria & Karen turned back after a while to get 9 & Maria was going to meet Leslie. Robin, Jaira & I continued on till Bethel/Green Meadows when Jaira left us. She is sick. It's really something to think that I run with people who are disappointed to only get 13 in -- when they are sick and feel like crap! Most folks wouldn't walk out to the mailbox & here we go out and run as far as we can. Robin & I continued on together. I did stop my watch this time for water breaks. I knew I would over drink & I did - sloshing. At least I'm aware of the problem now & know what to do to prevent it. When we got to Green Robin met some folks who could give her a ride back to the car so she headed on with them after getting in a good 18. She had a time element today so that opportunity worked out well for her. I continued on with Shuffle. I was feeling good & hadn't struggled at all so figured it would be a good opportunity to do 22. At the intersection of the spur & the MKT I headed toward Forum to add on the 2 miles (since we skip the Tayside part). I was feeling really good & had been able to pick up the pace. At about mile 20.5, however I look up and see Andy, Hugh, AND their dogs running toward me on the trail. Now, the deal is, I started this run with both those men. By Chinaberry I had seen Hugh. So, how did they managed to get so stinking far ahead of me??? I thought, "Great, I'm still out here plugging through my 22 thinking I'm feeling fine & I am hot stuff, and here comes the Emerson Family who has had time to not only do their long run, but go home, get their dogs, and head on back out for more running while I am still on my original run!!" Suddenly, I didn't feel like such hot stuff anymore!!! Oh well. I went past Forum a bit & turned around to head back to Stadium. Back at the trail head, Andy & Dan were at the picnic table. I confronted Andy about the run & they jokingly told me he had also had breakfast, and mowed the yard before I got back! But, no, they hadn't. I hope it was a joke . . .
I had had Super Gu at mile 5 - just b/4 Scott & had Luna at Bethel & by the Rec. Fields. That worked out well. I never felt depleted, but I did get thirstier than usual on this run. My only complaint is my right Achilles. It's given me some grief on the bike rides & right after the rides, but today at about mile 15 it started talking to me & it's quite sore now. Advil & ice. Hopefully, that will resolve soon. Boy, I hope this good trend can continue till HOA. It's been a lot of fun & I especially am loving running in the nice weather.