Deb: long runs

I have faithfully been going to the gym all of December and now January, but I really wanted to do some long runs outside before my race.  And by the way, I consider a "long run" anything over six miles.  Last Friday I did 6 miles on the treadmill and it was tough.  Yesterday I did 8.3 miles outside and it was also tough.  What really surprised me was the first two miles.  Very, very hard.  My shins hurt, my pace was terrible and the wind was right in my face crossing the bridge.  But I powered on and it became much easier.  I ended with a 10:30ish pace, which means I really stepped it up the second half.

There weren't many people on the walkway, but I was able to wave to a little girl on her bike, smile at the young man pushing his ?brother? in a wheelchair and tell a little boy riding his bike "nice bike!".  It was great to see people out and really makes me realize how lucky I am to be able to go for my long run.

I did bring GU with me to try, expecting to run 10 miles, so I never did try it.  Maybe next time.

Thanks goes out to Gary for texting me to have a good run right before I left work.  I was debating with myself, especially as the clouds rolled in, but I had to go as he was expecting me to. 

Here's to a warm enough day next week to get outside and do my weekly long run!!