run, run, run

Boise, ID 6:30am

Pace: 8:00

So, at the end of my run on Friday I said to Randy "Same time on Monday?" He said "sure." That seemed like such a good idea on Friday. At six a.m on Memorial Day, not so much. But I got up and went and was glad I did because I wouldn't have gotten a run in any other time today.

Halfway through this morning's run I felt a serious need to drop a deuce. But, since I was running through neighborhoods with no convenient stores or anyplace else to take care of business, I just kept running. I wonder how running with your butt cheeks clenched affects your gait.

Good times!

Meridian, ID 6:00 am

Pace: 8:18

I left a half hour earlier this morning. I wanted to do ten miles, but I really like having an hour to rest/nap/do nothing before starting work at 9. I'm not saying I need it, I just really like it.

Weather was great, run felt good. Went the Meridian direction today Ustick, Meridian, Pine, Cloverdale and a lap around the subdivision to get up to 10.

Broke out a new pair of shoes this morning. It's always nice to feel new shoes on your feet after going too long in the previous pair.

iPod song of the day: "Ain't That A Shame" -- Cheap Trick

Boise, ID 6:30am

Pace: 7:56

I was really dragging this morning and, of course, I have some good excuses. I'm a little sore from playing softball yesterday (sprinting and running are two different things, you know) and I didn't sleep very well last night. Good thing I have a running partner or my pace would probably be around nine minutes per mile this morning.

Boise, ID 6:00 am

Pace: 8:44

An easy ten-miler to start the day. Weather was great, I felt good, just happy to be out there. I took the route from last week Emerald, Cole, Ustick. I like going that way because the sun is at my back on the home stretch.

iPod song of the day: "Never Did No Wandrin'" -- The Folksmen

Boise, ID 6:30am

Pace: 8:02

Randy brought his brother along this morning, which made navigating the shoulders of Cloverdale a little more interesting, but it was nice to have someone different along for a change. We were only about 5 seconds per mile slower than usual, but it felt like we weren't pushing it as hard. Good thing because I'm planning on on going long again tomorrow morning.

Boise, Garden City, Eagle, ID

Pace: 8:56

I went out for a 20-mile long run this morning, but decided to stretch it out to 26.2. I was at 24.5 by the time I got back to my house and figured that if I ever want to try an unsupported marathon, now was the time to do it. So I went ahead and took another lap around the subdivision to go the full distance.

I hydrated better than I had in past long runs and it made a difference. I need to make sure I get that much water/gatorade when I run the real marathon. Usually I find myself just sipping a half a cup here and there because I don't want to get an upset stomach. Then I get dehydrated and life sucks.

I went a similar course as my previous long runs except I went down to the greenbelt from Maple Grove and instead of crossing the river and heading West at Glenwood, I kept going East for two miles and then turned around. That way I was able to avoid that 5 mile jog down Chinden and Meridian roads. With the heat I wanted to stay in more established neighborhoods with trees and shade.

When I got to Eagle and Chinden I decided to go over to Five Mile and down. That's why I was longer by the time I got home.

Now I'm feeling good. I don't think I did any damage that would be detrimental to the real marathon next month and it gave me a good boost of confidence.

iPod song of the day: "Rappers Delight" -- Sugar Hill Gang