Breaking New Ground

I was hoping I'd be able to post this blog today. In fact, I was excited about it. A lot. You see, due to unforeseen events this week and weekend, I wasn't going to be able to run with CES. Not a big deal, you say, but oh it is...this Saturday's long run was the first 20 miler of two that are scheduled.

That's right, a solo 20 miler. Uncharted territory for me, even though I know it's no biggy for some of you speedy cats out there. I was sure it was going to be a mistake, but I wasn't too worried. I figured that if I had to bag the run early, I'd still have one more 20 miler on the books with CES. My plan for this run was to run the approximately 1.5 miles to the Prairie Path, and then run three loops of the path, since each complete loop is six miles, and then run home.

I'll save you the suspense, I did it!

I got up at 4:30 AM, per usual, and was running by 5:15. It was still really dark out and very foggy too. But it was pretty cool as well. I was glad I got moving early because I figured the weather would hold out longer and I'd have the path all to myself, at least for a little while.

Once I finally got on the path, I was wowed by what I saw. The fog was really low and seemed to hang on everything. As I ran, it came at me in layers. I wanted to stop several times to just admire the awesomeness around me, but like the poem said, I had miles to go before I could sleep. Approximately 17 more at that point. Anywho, a couple of runners and one sketchy dude on a bike appeared at that point. It still amazes me that people are so friendly in the suburbs. Everyone said "good morning" or "hello" to me on the path. I kept moving and eventually started my second loop. The fog was still there and I was kind of excited about it. The fog was so thick at points that you couldn't see too far ahead. When you're running three loops of the same path, this is a welcome relief to potential boredom. And I saw one of the dudes from earlier again! We actually ended up running by each other another four times. I think he might have been on a 20 miler too! Once I hit my third loop, I was starting to feel it. But I knew at that point, that I was going to make it! I promised myself that I could stop and take a drink or stretch my knees as needed. After having run up the same hill three times, I was beginning to feel quite tired. I But I made it all the way to 20.

My right ankle is pretty sore right now, but I did take an ice bath once I got home. I assume I'll need to ice that ankle and use the stick to roll out my legs eventually. But for now, I'm going to eat, again, and maybe take a nap! This upcoming week is a cutback week with an easy 10 miler on Saturday, and then the week after is the last 20 miler. Have a great weekend!