11.12

today was my longest training run before the big race....  the plan was to run 13.... but there was an option to run 9.    i was certain that i should run more than 9, but i certainly could not wrap my mind around 13....thats a loooong way.   i was also doubting my ability since i had not run more than 4 in the past month....and had not run in a week. being an out and back route, it would be easy to get back to the beginning.....

it was a chilly morning, but nothing compared to running in michigan.   before leaving home, i was concerned that my camelback would not last me the entire way... even though there was an aid station at lukes..... (on a 7 mile run a couple months ago, i ran out...) so i grabbed a 24 oz bottle of water.   as it always is-the first mile sucked.  big time.  but then i hit a groove.  kerry and i were talking, having a good time.  had my first snack a little after mile 3.  mint chocolate gu-yum!! when we made it to lukes, i filled up my water bottle with gatorade, and realized i had not taken any water from my camelback.... around mile 5 i my back was beginning to hurt.... later in the run i realized it was probably b/c i hadnt emptied any water from my cb....   at about 5.6 miles in, we decided that we should turn around.... i had another snack around 6.5-blueberry pomegranate gu chomps-another yum!!   the back side of the run was tough... i  was experiencing my first chafing.  ouch.  my bum ankle was feeling pretty good, but my hip and knee were starting to really talk to me....  when we made it back to lukes, a pit stop was needed. they had some vaseline and i took advantage of that!  i also refilled my water bottle, even though i should have tossed it.... and i picked up a more filling snack.. half of a pb shandwich,  that was the best sandwich i have ever had...ha!  we walked a lot more than we normally do, but survival was the mode we were in!  we finally made it back to the park and received a medal!   i survived my longest run!!

after hobbling back to the car like i was 76, i tried to stretch but it was difficult.  it took a good 10 minutes to get my socks and shoes off and get into my compression socks.  i got them in the mail on tuesday....  they are sexy...ha.  and with my boots. double sexy.  i got some looks while hobbling around town... :)  

thoughts:

1.  i think i am going to get a fuel belt before the race.  i have been concerned about how much of a pain it will be to refill my camelback during the race.  a pink fuel belt is in my near future!!

 2.  even though i had on a runners strap on my right knee, i think for the race i will be wearing my full knee brace.  i think that extra support will make a difference.
3.  wont be wearing a running skirt again for longer runs.   unless i have some bike shorts under.  ouch. i have never had this problem before.. i love my skirts....  boo.


up next.... a nap.