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.

I live in the Pittsburgh area.  I have always enjoyed running, but now I am training for my first half marathon.  I am a runner and embrace each run day.