Feeling nice and strong after 18 miles!
Distance: 18 miles
Place: Mt. Vernon Trail & Old Town Alexandria
Time: 6:15-9:15am
Music: Yes
Fuel: Mini Lara Bar, 2 Gus, lotsa water

Saturday, I was up at 6:15am trying not to think about how many miles were before me. Not that I haven’t done it before but it’s been a long time!

It was cloudy so I felt like I needed some music to get things going. I fired up an old playlist — love reviving the favorites 🙂

A note on my long runs: I hate running with a bunch of crap but it’s hard to avoid. I run with a 4-water bottle belt which has a little pouch just big enough for a couple mini-Clif bars. So…I also bring another belt to put my phone and keys in. I get used to it but it’s a drag!

QUESTION: What do you carry on long runs? 

Love that feeling of accomplishment, especially before 10am on a Saturday!

Here’s the GREAT news: my legs were on fire — in a good way! I kept a good pace (9:30-9:45 min miles) the entire 18 miles and at the end, I didn’t even feel that fatigued. Later in the day, I was exhausted but my legs held up wonderfully.

I truly credit my new Crossfit strength giving me even more incentive not to give it up. The 3 hours went by fairly quickly and a couple 20-milers didn’t seem all that bad.

Additionally, I ate extremely healthy this week. LOTS of veggies and less sugar. Could that have contributed to my running success? I’m gonna say yes. 

POST-Run: Chocolate milk, Tuna & Cheddar sandwich

Oh yeah, I refuel with Chocolate Milk 🙂

Then, it was time for my very first ice bath. Yikes! Though my legs had held up nicely, I knew they needed the best recovery possible.

So, I jumped in my car right after the run and bought 2 bags of ice. I’ve heard it’s best to get in the tub first and then dump the ice and fill the water. Really, nothing sounded good to me so I ended up putting ice/water in first, then getting in.

There’s really no winning here. 

It. was. cold. I seriously can’t imagine how those crazy people do those winter ice swimming contests. Um, does anyone know what I’m talking about? I’ve heard of this, swear!

So I said, “I’m doing it for the marathon” and took the plunge.  I’ve gotta say, I truly feel like it helped! I will definitely do it again, though I don’t look forward o it! I actually took video as I got in the tub but I turned the camera the wrong way so it’s sideways and looks weird on the blog so…if you are interested in the reality TV version of my first ice bath, click here. 

So I passed the time while finishing the last bit of my latest book, “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. I know it’s been all over the best seller list but I’m adding my praise to the the chorus — SO good!
Flynn leaves you hanging on every single chapter. I won’t say much, just get this book if you are looking for an entertaining read that you can’t put down!

While running, I had time to think of some good ideas, like the shirt I will wear at the Marine Corps Marathon. What do ya’ll think of this idea (this would be the back)? I just want do something fun!

I had a pretty rough time recovering from being so worn out the rest of the day.  Though I felt strong throughout the run, I was shot on energy. I wanted to do nothing buy lay on the couch and daze out. But, of course, that’s not always an option. I just wish it were easier!

I pulled it together, ran some errands and then we went to see “Hope Springs.” I love Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones but this movie was just tooooo much. It might work for you if you are 60+ years old but we were by far the youngest movie goers in the theater and I really couldn’t wait for it to be over!

Spent the rest of the day with my goofy guy, who put up with my crankiness from being so tired:


QUESTION: Do your long runs leave you totally worn out for the rest of the day? How do you handle it?
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