Yesterday I went 8 miles. 8 freakin' miles! The longest I have ever run before this is a 10k (6.2 miles). From here on out, every long run I have will be a milestone. Which means every Saturday night I will be thinking to myself, "How in the hell am I going to be able to run that far?" But before I start having minor anxiety attacks about that mileage to come, let me step back and revel in what I just accomplished – 8 miles!
Here is what I have learned while running 8 miles:
1) Good music on my iPod can get me through some moments of serious self-doubt.
2) I need to re-fuel around mile 4; otherwise I am going to crash around mile 5... this is when I start strolling. Strolling people – not even walking. I stroll and look at the trees. My legs are strong. My lungs are strong. There is no reason for me to stroll. Need to remember to re-fuel.
3) Go with my first instincts when picking a trail. I ended up running down a hill, walking back up it, pausing at the top, going down another trail only to realize that I picked the right trail the first time.
4) Running down hills covered with rocks is fun! I mean it – I really like it. To me it is a big puzzle... where do I put my foot next? However, as fun as it is... I shouldn't hold my breath while doing it. This just makes it harder when I get done with the hill. Breathing is good... don't forget to do it.
5) At the end of the day... who cares how I got to the end of those 8 miles? I did it and I finished with a smile on my face... that is all that matters.
Stacy, that is amazing! I have never run even close to eight miles so I'm completely blown away. Thank you so much for the kind words on my blog — I'm blushing! I actually saw Julie and Tasha last night and Julie mentioned that you were blog-obsessed; join the club! Thank you again and have a wonderful weekend!
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