11.11.06

14 mile run today with my running partner -- from the city to the new Starbucks and back. Road kill is the enemy! I had thought about a lot of obstacles to running 20, the traffic, dirt kicked up by passing cars, etc., etc., etc., but road kill was not one of the obstacles I thought of. We learned how to place our index fingers under our nose and breath through our mouth.

The run out was absolutly beautiful! We got started right at sunrise (6:45) and the wind was to our backs. Made 1 stop at the Publix to do some business then on to the Starbucks for a quick turn around and headed back to the city. THEN, it was like being in a wind tunnel! I hadn't even noticed the wind to our backs but the wind to our fronts -- THAT was tough!!! It was a tough run back! The fog was rolling in, the view obscured. I had looked forward to the seeing the beautiful countryside but didn't get to see much. It was tough --but we made it, talking all the way :~)

I can remember when I first started running, I'd run a race and I'd be panting and panting and panting... and other people would be talking to each other and running along having a great old time and I would wonder how in the world they were able to talk and run (at the same time). Well, now I know. I can do it too! We talked the whole 14 miles.

Time: 2:30 I was hoping for 2:20 but wasn't really in the shape to make that happen. I am hoping for a 4 hour marathon in March. We will shoot for a 2 hour 1/2 marathon on Thanksgiving day -- that's a pretty lofty goal!

Tried out the Clif Shot gel for the first time (chocolate). It was pretty good. Didn't have any stomach problems at all this time but did struggle with leg cramps the last 1/3 or so.