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14 Miles. Done.

Long Run
This morning I actually slept in until 8 am. My immediate reaction was to feel like I had wasted time. But why on earth should I feel guilty for sleeping in for a change? I had my long run on tap, but I didn't have to rush out and get it done super early, so, I changed my mentality and took it slower for the morning.

In other words, I ate my pre-run meal (half bagel, PB & banana) and let it actually settle for an hour. It was really cool this morning, so waiting it out for the temps to warm up ended up sounding like a better idea anyway. Today was supposed to be another 13 mile run.

It was about 55 degrees when I started the run just before 10 am. Of course, I immediately ended up regretting wearing capris, but no chaffing was the bonus/trade out. The first 1 and a half of the run was actually really amazing. I felt incredible, was fairly giddy, smiling and waving at everyone I passed by. Good times.

Then it all changed. I barely remember the first part of the run, but remember all of the second part. I had to really fight hard. My sciatica was really getting to me. I tried little tricks like changing pace, kick butts, but nothing really helped ease the pain. I felt myself slowing down, almost plodding along, shuffling my left foot. I have no idea how I never ended up on my face to be honest.

I kept trying to remind myself to at least enjoy the scenery, the beautiful weather, anything. I ended up having to walk for about 30 seconds around mile 11 then stopping to stretch at mile 12. Honestly, if I had been stopping to stretch near my car, it would have been over. Period. The bottoms of my feet were killing me, my legs felt like lead, and my sciatica was almost tear-inducing. But. I still had 2 more miles left.

Yes, you read that correctly 2 miles after 12. Um, that'd mean I ran 14 today. Yes, I am certifiable. I think the only thing that kept me actually going was knowing I was going to hit another personal distance record. So, despite the pain, the fatigue, I ended on a high note because of pride. I drove home actually fairly giddy, exhausted, but giddy.

I spent even more time than normal (which is usually 30 mins) on my Triggerpoint Therapy Kit and stretching. In fact, I ate my post-run meal in the floor stretching and rolling.

Shower & Pizza
We had a couples baby shower to attend at 2, so that meant I really had to get cleaned up and put on real clothes. Jeans are usually comfortable attire right? After long runs...not so much. I just wanted PJs and fluffy house shoes. I felt like my whole body was just swollen. But, the shower was for really good friends, and couldn't/wouldn't be missed.

I normally dread baby showers, in fact, did dread this one too to be honest. Usually it's all ooing and ahhing over baby clothes, diapers, and butt cream. But this shower turned out to be really enjoyable. Yes, wine may have been involved and changed my mind a bit. But that's not the point.

Of course I got to visit with the mom-to-be, but also got to meet some new people - which usually stresses me out. Maybe I was just delusional from the run. But I actually put myself out there and really did visit with people and it wasn't so bad (who knew).

One of the hostesses actually works for the same company as I do, 5 floors down actually. So it was kind of fun getting to visit with her. We had seen each other at the gym many times, then actually met at a tailgating party held by the shower couple and realized we worked together. Small world moments. So, it was nice getting to really visit with her, we definitely have things in common.

Anyway, after the shower, we stopped by to get the makings for mimosas for me - I mean, totally deserved after 14 miles right? We didn't have pizza last night, so that's what is on tap for tonight. I'm looking forward to every single carby bite too. I feel like I could eat a whole loaf of bread right now ;-)

And, speaking of carbs and carb loading... I must give a shout out to my friend Jessica who is doing her 3rd half marathon tomorrow! You got this one my dear!!!! I heart you!!!

Daily To-Enjoy List:
  • Long run (a doozy)
  • Visiting with good friends
  • Sunshine
  • Pizza
  • Relaxing with hubby

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