Every week I feel a bit nervous about my long runs. I've really tried to just be nonchalant about it but easier said than done. I think a lot of it is the humid and hot weather that we have been having. I just have such a hard time breathing in this that even my inhaler sometimes doesn't help. This past Saturday my long run consisted of 11.5 miles with a dew point of 71 and humidity 90something percent and 74 degrees!! At 6:30am!!! I know!!! You guys know I'm slow and I have learned to embrace that. Especially in the hot weather and knowing that I will be out there for a while. Once I let go of the of the fact that I'm never going to be fast, I have felt so much better about the long run. Me and the hubs started out around 6:30am and you could already feel the thickness in the air. On my long runs he will ride his bike while I run keeping me company. I felt really good throughout the first 9.5 miles. Stayed within my pace, hydrated and fueled often. At about 9.5 miles my legs started to really feel tight and heavy!!! We stopped for a minute so I could stretch and hydrate. I literally sat on the bike path and stretched. But it must have been a good idea because when I started back running my legs felt so much better and I was able to ROCK the last 2 miles! I felt like this girl!
That long run was exactly what I needed! It was tough and my body ached for the biggest part of the day but I didn't hate my life! I needed this to know I am strong and I can do it! My goal is to get across my half marathon finish line and feeling strong. Yes, I want to do it under last years time and I think I will.... if even by a minute!
I'm going to get better at taking pics for you guys!
