I ran a 3/4 South Farms loop, the missing part being the jaunt to Busey Woods. At mile 2 my knee felt a bit unsteady, so I stopped, walked for 10 seconds, then continued running. After a few strides the knee recovered and felt strong for the remaining miles. Heavy rain storms blew through with strong wind, and I was reminded of the more difficult winter loops I did last year. Out in the corn fields I was running in 6 inches of water, but unlike the winter, it felt refreshing! I ran strong most of the way, no need for stopping other than the 10 seconds at mile 2. I sprinted the final 300m, just like in the winter, and I stopped the run in front of Jimmy John's. Since I had run on an empty stomach I really wanted a sandwich, but I did not buy one because 12 miles is the minimum distance required to earn one :)
Toward the end of the run I felt a wisp of beautiful emotion which long distance training can impart - weary, yet strong, the body wanting to stop, but the will begging for just a few more steps. I am looking forward to the longer runs of 15-25 miles, hope I can get there soon...
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