What an amazingly gorgeous day for a run. I took the day off yesterday because I wanted to save my legs up for a longer run today. Fortunately my cold was basically gone by today, I think drinking 4 Emergen-C's and a couple Airbornes per day along with a lot of water helped a lot. This morning we got up early, packed up the kids, and went to Ft. Collins so Nan could do a fast 4 mile race with a competitive field. She ran really fast, 5:32/mile avg I believe.
We got home at 12:30 and I threw on just my shorts and fiveFingers and headed out. I also brought a hip pack with water and 3 gu packs. Our friends house where we were going for dinner is about 13 miles away if you take the Big Dry Creek Trail which is a great trail. It almost goes from our doorstep to theirs which is pretty cool I found out. I decided to run to their house. The longest run I have done before today was 12 miles about 8 years ago and I remember it completely wiped me out because I didn't take any fuel and wasn't prepared.
As I headed out today I felt great from the start at about 8 min/mile (slightly downhill). So I just kept that pace the whole time until the last two slightly uphill miles wich I averaged about 9 min/miles. Total running time: approx. 1:47 - stopped for about 4-5 minutes total at a couple different points to drink water and stretch a bit. I ate the 3 gu packs at mile 3, 7, and 11 and my energy was great the whole run. It was sunny and in the 60's, could not have asked for a more beautiful day. I felt great the whole run and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I would have liked to go even farther but everyone was waiting on me to take some pictures.
I really love running now that I know how to do it better. It feels great.
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