20 Miles Success

Like a river, confidence ebbs and flows. Basing a run today on activity that occurred weeks ago can be beneficial or detrimental.  Like that river, which is constantly changing and is never the same, each run is totally different and can never be the same as a previous run and experience.

Going into my 20 miler I was nervous because 3 weeks ago I strained my hamstring in a half marathon and started having sensations in the knee, being reminiscent of an IT band issue.  While last weeks 15 miler went well, the nights were filled with an achy knee, sore calves and quads.  I knew if I could get through this 20 miler, I would increase my running confidence and feel better about being 5 weeks from Boston.

I started at 5:45am when it was still dark with a keen interest on how my legs were doing.   Ever notice how the first mile is the hardest in a run?  It goes so slow; you have to work out the kinks and then it feels ok.  Besides the potty break at mile in the city park with stainless steel toilets and no bathroom stall doors, the run was successful.  I felt fatigued and tired towards the end but still maintained my overall pace of 8:45.  Right on pace for where I want to be.  My running form is altered somehow after my hamstring strain because I got a blister on the inside of my arch and normally I don't blister.

Be sure to check out the giveaway for free movie tickets to My Run.  It looks like it is going to be a great movie/documentary.

Last weekend I took a beginning photography class and learned about aperture, ISO and shutter speed.  I've always had an interest in taking pictures and my sister-in-law, Sarah,  inspires me with her fantastic pictures and her photography business is flourishing.  Perhaps one day (when I have more time in a day) I can get a fancy SLR camera and take better pictures.  The location was at a resort with a small outside area with a barn and red lanterns and even cow butt so I leave you with a couple pictures.

Eat Mor Chikin

Happy Running!