Run 8, Week 2

So today I ran the second long run... 6.5 miles (training program says 6, I did a little bit more and I feel a-ok about that).

This run, having spent the entire day on the couch watching TV (hello, I cannot really figure out wth is happening in Damages and I'm only on episode 7 or something like that) and chilling. I ate, of course, breakfast and lunch and snacks and the thought of running at any time today was kind of almost the last thing I wanted to do.

And then I got a text from my Awesome Friend McKenzie (author of The MMMGuide and amazingpersonextraordinaire) about running today and my memory was jogged to our Friday morning texts (which we have quite often) that were all about "let's go running this weekend." She gave me plenty of leadtime, at 1:30 suggesting a run at 4. Given 3 more hours to digest and to try to figure out the plot to the latest Damages I said yes. Of course, my extra motivation that this is part of the Marathon training and I'm currently in the "You do it because you must" and the "It doesn't matter" mentalities are coursing through me. As in, I have committed to this 16 week training program (so I'll do it because I must) and it doesn't matter if I'm feeling full or a little bit sleepy, I will be doing this 16 week training program (so "it doesn't matter if I'm not feeling 100% amazing").

I peeled myself off the couch, put on my running gear (ooh JackRabbit, they do such a great job with marketing) and headed out. One run loop around the park was the Perfect Plan with McKenzie, as running to meet her would give me a good 3 and a loop around would give me another 3 and a half. So, all in all, I'd get my 6 mile long run in and it'd be all totally functional - see? I ran to her and then with her! Ah, so good.

I took it really easy to get to the park and I love the route. I love how I get to go up East 5th an dsee how my neighborhood changes, I love passing by C's house and ElFin's apartment because I always give them a mental wave. Then entering into the Park always gives me a rush of happiness because I'm joining in with so many people enjoying the day, enjoying the workout, everyone with similar and different goals... it's just so lovely. So I joined in on the southeast side of the park and just 15 minutes later was met by McKenzie and we began our loop.

All in all, I did a 6.5 mile run today in 1:05. Not bad to me!

I absolutely love running with McKenzie. She's been a huge inspiration for me. Just one year ago, we ran the Jingle Bell Jog (my first-ever race) and I couldn't have done it without her support and the support of my co-worker, Kate. Never did I ever think that I could run more than a mile and, one year after my first race, I'm at the beginning of a Marathon training program, I completed my "100 miles for the Race to Deliver"* campaign, and I just found out that my resting heart rate is 55, which is indictative of a pretty athletic body (says my doctor). So thanks to McKenzie for all the runs this year, for challenging my pace, and for showing me that running doesn't have to be scary. And our running conversations are so much fun.

So bring on tomorrow, the beginning of Week 3!

Oh - I highly recommend reading McKenzie's blog every day and following her on Twitter (@mmmguide). She's a foodie with a lot of great stuff to say!

*More on the "100 miles for the Race to Deliver" campaign in a future post. But please, feel free to donate and THANK YOU!