Long runs have started - first half of the year in a month!

I feel like my post was a bit hasty.  I planned on taking a good part of Sunday to write and thought I had things together enough in my head that it wouldn't take long.  But, as usual, I was wrong.  And Sunday afternoon was a  planned long run with J and O and I just had to hit publish before setting out.  So, I did.  And while starting on said long run, I realized there was so much that I hadn't really said that I wanted to, and not enough emphasis on why it was such a good run.  But, instead of rehashing, I would just like to put out there the time I completed 7 miles, 1:13:05, is less than my pre Irish Sprint 10k PR.  10:26 minute/miles.  And, I'd like to put out there again, except for a couple crosswalks, I ran the whole time.  Seriously, that is huge for me, so sorry for repeating myself, but I was so happy.


But, that made me nervous to set out on my long run Sunday.  9 miles.  I know I can complete the distance.  Ok, honestly, before Thursday, I didn't know that.  I had done it in the past, but I have been feeling that I haven't been serious enough in my training and really have been worrying that I'd be able to complete the Frederick half.  13.1 miles is a long way to run, and sometimes I go out for a run and wonder if I have it in me.  Don't worry though, my head is back in it.


So yes, nervous.  I mean, I know there are going to be bad runs.  Not every one can be good.  But I was afraid that I'd have a bad run so soon after a good one and that my confidence would shatter.  Running with a defeatist attitude is not good.  The first mile I was just sluggish and shuffling, and then my gps was wrong again (ugh, I'm going to calibrate this week, it just had been going so well until this week!), and I only vaguely remembered turn arounds from some of my longer runs last year, but I had skipped a few at the end, so I don't think I've done a 9 miler on my normal trail.  8 and 10. yes, so I just guessed at 9.


I finally started to loosen up and get into the run, and even though I shuffled at the end a bit, I really only walked once (plus a crosswalk plus a stop to adjust my shorts.  I need to start remembering Body Glide).  Two for two long runs with limited walking, what?!  Yeah, I'm feeling pretty awesome.  And I'm glad I haven't bought more peanut butter GU yet, because this run, all I wanted was sweet and fruity.  Fortunately, I had Gushers, yum.  Totally hit the spot.


The worst part of the run was running with a family on their bikes.  It was pretty clear that the little boy was just learning to ride without training wheels, and I think it was great they were out for a family ride to practice. But, I would pass them, then they would pass me. Then, they would stop and regroup in the middle of the sidewalk.  I felt bad running through their group (a couple people on each side of the sidewalk), and I'm not sure the dad appreciated it, but the little girl was polite and said excuse me every time she passed (so, maybe it was just the dad's perceived attitude that made it the worst part of the run).  Finally, I guess they had enough back and forth because they let me pass and I think turned down a side street.  So, after that, pretty uneventful run.  In 1:34:57.  That makes me so happy!


What doesn't make me happy is the fact that I forgot my body glide, and then decided to wear a skirt  Monday.  My thighs do not appreciate - seriously, what was I thinking?.  I pulled out a pair of shorts that I haven't worn since last year, so perhaps they fit a little differently.  Perhaps I need to go shopping.


Yesterday was also the second weigh-in in my work challenge.  Another pound down.  I totally splurged yesterday after (oops), but I had to try the new Doritos taco at Taco Bell (verdict = tasty).