6: West Long Branch, NJ
Easily one of my favorite runs to date. I got to run with Brian and his brother Scott. We ran down near the beach - so it was straight and flat (SO EXCITING!). They both run faster than me but stayed at my pace (later I found out they were pushing me a bit without me realizing it). We got to run along the boardwalk and there were tons of other people out there running/walking. It was funny/sometimes frustrating trying not to run into people. We got to 3 miles and turned around and I felt great - so I was really happy about that! The weather was so much cooler than it is in Alabama and we didn't have to wake up till 7! My legs were getting a bit tired with .5 miles left. Brian said I was doing a good job hiding it - but I felt like I was really having to carry them forward and think about each step. We finished with a quick sprint - and I found out that I had run 1 minute faster than I usually do - and it was for 6 miles. I was very happy! Right after the run we got to run down on the beach and meet Brian's uncle to go fishing.
-Larissa you should know that even though I was running with Brian and Scott - I still had the pod on and I was listening to your mix :)
- I have learned that I like water right when I stop running :) and fresh fruit is also helpful - especially when it is hot!
7: Central Park, NJ
I was a little apprehensive about this run because the night before we had gone out with my cousins and we had been up very late. But we slept a bit later than originally planed and hit the subway for the 45 min. trip to Manhattan. Brian (so sweet) had brought water and I brought an apple for the ride - so of course, when we got to the park I had to pee. Brian lived right near the park 2 summers ago - and knew there weren't any bathrooms in the area we were starting the run. He asked if I could go 10 minutes and then stop. I tried to say I could - but I had to be honest. It was one of those "I need to go" moments that hurt and I wouldn't be able to run like that :/ thankfully - there was a race going on in the park that morning and they had port-o-pottys set up right where we entered the park. I was SO grateful! So we hit those up and then started running - we got to run with the race participants for a bit - they were doing a 10k. It was nice to see what the half will be like in a few months - tons of energy! We kept running around the park - it is one of our favorite places in the city (if not the favorite place) - so I really enjoyed taking in my favorite views while exercising. There were tons of runners even when the race was finished so it was a great atmosphere. I enjoy playing the game of trying to get to the next person in front of you - it helps me push myself and in Alabama I run in areas where I only pass 1 or two people - so it was nice to be surrounded by that. I was hurting at about 6 miles - that very quick 6 miles the week before had really taken a toll on my legs. My ankle injury from high school has been acting up and right below my knee has also been very sore. This run really brought out those issues. At one point (late in the run) a girl passed us by a few feet, then fell behind, and then was running literally right next to me. I was really talking to myself while she was there saying "don't let her get by, pass her, leave her back, you can do it, be strong" - so I did :) We finally stopped near the lake and finished walking around it and then got back on the subway - of course Brian had me walk all the way down the stairs to the wrong subway, all the way back up, and then all the way back down again. My legs thanked him ;) It was nice to go home and sit on the couch and ice my ankle and knee while he made lunch :)
8: Auburn, Al
Wow - was I nervous. 8 miles - alone. I woke up and felt like I was running a race even though it was just me. Brian had set up an 8 mile loop, but I run in that area almost every morning, so I decided to use a 4 mile loop that I know that goes around campus - and just run it twice (don't think I will do this again - too tempting to stop and go home). Per my friend Alyse's suggestion, I downloaded a podcast from Radiolab. It was very interesting and did a great job with keeping me entertained - I wanted to hear all the story which helped me keep going. Despite this, the first 4 miles were killer - mentally I really struggled - I missed having someone to pace me - having others running near me to compete with. My legs felt pretty achy. I got the first 4 done - chugged some water and ate some GU - and turned around to do the loop again. I instantly felt better mentally knowing I was half done. My legs finally started feeling strong at about the last 2 miles or so (which is probably also connected to my mental thoughts). As usual, I kept telling myself I was strong, I thought about funny stores - and I kept saying 8 is great - Just like the poem Mir had written for me. 8 is great, 8 is great, 8 is great - I would literally repeat it in my head :) I finished! I was exhausted once it was over - more so than ever before (perhaps I was adjusting back to the heat). I was having trouble focusing my sight - so I walked for a bit and stretched. I had to go home quickly to shower and get to work - I really wanted to just go to sleep - I ate 4 full meals that day - and took a one hour nap that afternoon :) oops
Today I got to get back on the bike again (after 2 weeks away) - I wanted to take it a bit easier since I had just run 8 the day before - so I did the medium (18 mile) ride - I'll take the day off tomorrow - going to ice my knee tonight for a bit and then enjoy a hot bath :)
The solo long runs are difficult. Your support really has helped! 9 miles this week! eek!
