This long run was supposed to be on Monday according to my friend's schedule for us; but I wanted to go on my favorite trail and I feel safer when there are more people on it - so I chose to go on a Saturday instead (my friend is still out of town). I tried and tried to find someone who I could run with, but everyone was out of town. So, it was me and my iPod. It was a beautiful run. That's one thing nice about growing up in New Mexico - I'm ALWAYS grateful for beautiful scenery and cool weather because both were not easy to come by in NM. ; ) I also liked having my iPod so I wasn't freaked out by every little noise in the bushes. I kept my pace very easy and I'm sure my heart rate was around 150-160 so that was good for aerobic base building. My knee started hurting a little around mile 5, but then apparently went away because I don't remember it bugging me for long. Happily there was a port-a-potty around mile 6 (no further comment on that). I stretched when I got back to my car, stretched when I got home, and stretched after I made breakfast for my family. Last time I ran 8 miles, I got a pinched nerve that sent me to PT for 2 months. So, I've kind of had a mental thing with 8 miles. But I've been back for 2.5 hours and no pain anywhere! Yea!!! | 