9 Miles & Running Lessons Learned

This morning started off rather cloudy and cool. A front moved through and the temps were in the 40's. Of course this was a great excuse for holding off on my run for a while. Jason obviously couldn't go with me today, so it was the first solo run since before my injures (so early February).

I don't know why, but I was really nervous about doing a long, solo run all of the sudden. I never really minded before. I usually enjoy the "me" time. But this morning I was doing my best to come up with reason to not run.

I even told myself I'd do 4 today then do my long run tomorrow instead...as I was having Jason tape my foot with the KT Tape. The sun started to come out and the temps were in the mid-50's. I knew deep down that I needed to just get out there and stop being a baby.

Actually, I had one thing to look forward to (sort of), I spent Friday evening downloading some new songs for a playlist. But that's a lesson learned I'll get to in a minute. So, I sucked it up, got myself ready and headed out a little after 11.

It felt pretty chilly when I first started going, and very windy. But of course I got warm very quickly. And it turned out to be a damn good run. I felt strong. I felt good. I felt peaceful. I actually had to talk myself out of 10 miles because I was really feeling smug to be honest. So I stopped at 9 (like a good girl) and walked a quarter of a mile to cool down.

While I was running, I had plenty of time to think and found myself coming up with a lessons learned kind of list. I haven't done a running lessons learned post in ages, so I thought I'd share where my mind went today.

55 degrees is cold only when you're not running. When you're running, it's hot.

Wind is either your friend or your enemy. If it's hot you pray for it, if it's headwinds at 25 mph you're cursing it.

Garmin's are made for a reason. I'm terrible at pacing myself and am very happy to have the Garmin to help keep myself in check. I do not need to do an 8:45 pace on a long run especially at mile 7.

When you didn't get the lid on your water bottle correctly and it's sloshing out, you're likely to curse out loud in front of children.

Children (toddlers) do not run in a straight line. They veer towards you somehow.

It's best not to think about the number of bugs you eat during a run.

Trying to do a new playlist the night before isn't smart, especially when you're technologically challenged. It wasn't on shuffle so played in alphabetical order by artist. I had no idea I had that many Eminem songs on my playlist. I think it must have been an entire album.

It's ok to smile for no particular reason when running. Other runners understand, and everyone else will steer clear because obviously you're crazy.

Sometimes the best runs are the ones you try to avoid.

What are some of your running or workout lessons learned? My list was a lot longer while I was running. I always forget most of what I was thinking no matter how sure I am that I'll remember. Running amnesia perhaps?

Daily To-Enjoy List:

Sunshine
Running
Relaxing

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