Weather - 47 degrees, cloudy, raining. Today I became a different runner, reaching a new level of endurance and stamina. The weather was perfect for running, although quite windy when out in the open areas. Only wearing shorts and 4 shirts, I was 3 pounds lighter than normal, and this made me feel quick and strong. I noticed I was running faster than usual during the first 5 miles, but I tried to keep the pace moderate, because I wanted to do the usual full South Farms loop. When I reached the South Farms road a heavy wind slowed me down, but the somber gray clouds and some fog rising near the copse made for some beautiful scenery to gaze at. I was hoping for rain, as I have grown to love running in it, but it did not start falling until 400m to the finish of the 1st loop. I was planning to stop at Jimmy Johns and call it a day, but I noticed that I was not tired, my legs were still fresh, and I felt I had not worked hard enough to deserve the sandwich. I decided to continue running, as the rain, and everything else, felt good. I was looping back to Busey Woods, but realizing I could be on my feet for another few miles, I stopped at Strawberry Fields and bought some Bolthouse green juice, a hummus sandwich, and some chocolate almond energy chunks. The checkout girl eyed my muddy legs and dirty shirt and asked if I was out running. I told her I was on mile 14, and needed some food because I was probably going 6 more. She told me she liked to bike, but usually not when it is cold. As I was leaving she suggested I sit down in the cafe to eat. I told her I was going to eat on the run, and she could not believe it. "No Way! Won't you get indigestion?!" I laughed and told her no, I wouldn't, and waved goodbye. I decided I would run until I felt tired or sore, whichever came first. When I reached the arboretum at mile 18 or 19, I looked up at the hill, closed my eyes, and started doing knee-ups. I concentrated on my form, and also how I was feeling. My legs were going up and down easily, not too sore, and my energy was still good. Amazing, I thought, and a wave of inspiration/adrenaline rushed through me - I realized I had a chance to complete a full second loop, for 26 miles. I smiled, opened my eyes, and attacked the hill. When I got to the South Farms road for the second time the crows did not even bother flying away as I ran by, they just looked up, then continued pecking at the ground. I was still feeling good, and I knew in 1 mile I would have the rest of loop with the wind at my back. When I reached MBK I stopped at a bench to stretch, and just as I was finishing I looked up to see a group of 6 or 7 lean and mean runners approaching. When they passed I started running at their pace, about 20m behind them. I noticed their gear, and how easy they were running at 7:00 pace - they were Univ. of Illinois runners out for a leisurely slow run. However, 7:00 pace seemed REAL fast to me, but I was handling it ok considering I was on mile 23. They started to move the pace up after 800m so I let them go, I had no choice, 6:45 pace on tired legs was not going to happen. But they got me through the tough part of MBK, the uphill, so I was thankful for their timely appearance. The final 3 miles felt pretty good, although the last mile seemed to drag on - I must have been pressing up against the wall right about there. When I reached Jimmy Johns for the second time, I knew I had earned my sandwich. I walked home in a wet glow of happiness, eating my sandwich, feeling the rain, and thankful for having such sturdy legs to carry me such a long way. #389
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