Saturday was my first day back running after the Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon, a relatively short 3 miles. I am finding that distances shorter than 5 miles are starting to feel like sprints or warm ups, which feels very foreign.
Since it was 3 miles, I went without my usual gear. No, camelbak, no water belt, no mid run fuel. The distance didn’t warrent any of this.
For my first run back, I felt great. My feet were fresh, my legs were good, which lead to a good pace, somewhere around 8:30. Which was pretty quick for me.
Saturday was a great run.
Sunday was 8 miles, I was a little more reserved about the run. It was not as long as 13.1, but for some reason it felt long.
It wasn’t very hot, a little warm and only a tad humid.
I ran with my 3 liter camelbak, starting to get used to the added heft for the 20 mile run. It definitely took a little getting used to. Heavier, bulkier, but very stable with the chest and waist straps.
I also acquired two badge reels. “Wha?” you ask. Badge reels, the ski lift ticket holder, ID badge zippy lanyard extrordinare, purchased for the camelbak tubing. I can just spit the bite valve out and it doesn’t flop around. I found it worked perfectly!
The 8 mile run was good, I ran a descent pace. I was surprised at how I zoned out during my run. I was in almost meditative state, time slowed, bur not quite in the same way as the half marathon. It was much more relaxed, when I came out of my “trance” I was a little diappointed that it ended.
After Sunday’s run my left foot had a weird pain. Not my ankle, but a muscle or tendon from my big toe to my inner ankle. It didn’t hurt all the time, only when it flexed or bent in some (most) positions beside neutral. After a couple of walks today I am feeling at 90% of my previous ankle-age.
Next weekend, 14 miles. Bring it on!