Two Exciting Developments

1. A new car! Bought it yesterday- a 2005 light blue Chrysler Pacific. Very happy about this!

2. A long run today. Somewhere between 8 and 8.5 miles. I don't trust the sign that says 1.7 miles to the bridge, it's more like 1.4 to me. Either way, it was long and it's now done. I took Blitzen to the bridge and back for about 5 to 5.5 miles. Then, dropped him at home for a water stop and took off alone for the final three. It felt good. More about the run...

My first long run of my marathon-training program called for 8 miles on Saturday. I know that takes me an hour and 35 minutes, maybe more. The plan was to run the first five with the beagle in a loop that brought me back home. Grab some fuel, in my case Gatorade and a mini Luna bar (gels make me gag), leave the beagle with a bowl of water and head back out for three more.

At the turn around point for the first loop, I really thought about continuing and doing the whole eight in one big loop (without the ‘fuel stop’). I was feeling good and the beagle was cooperating. But, I reminded myself of all the replies to John’s e-mail about the gels. How many people said you must eat or drink after 60 minutes? Many. How many said run all you want without fueling your body? None.

So, I turned for home. Gatorade, Luna bar, water for the beagle, then hit the door alone for three more miles. Those last three felt great, as easy as the first three. Maybe it was not dragging a 30 “running partner” along, maybe it was the excitement of completing the first long run for the marathon program, but more than likely, you guys were right. My body has to have some fuel to run on.

I finished up feeling really strong, took a cool bath, followed by a hot shower when I got home. I felt great for the rest of the day. I did feel nearly as tired as I usually feel after those long runs and not as hungry, either. This Sunday is 9 miles and I’ll do it the same way.

Total January miles- 54.1
Remaining distance to FBF- 15.9