Tough Run

Today I ran my schedule 16 mile long run.  I forgot to charge both my Garmin watch and headphones and thought crap, I’m not going to be able to listen to a good podcast or music on this long run.   I also forgot to buy bananas so, I had to stop at Braun’s on my way to get some.  I started running around 7:15 and was a little nervous to run because I skipped my weekday runs due to working late.  I felt every mile and struggled on my turn around.  The sun was blaring at me and I don’t do heat very well.  I ate my cliff bloks and had my coconut water for fuel, but it wasn’t enough.  I started cramping on my right hamstring that it forced me to back off my pace and slow down. At about mile 13 I saw a group of young elementary aged girls running towards me on the trail.  They were flushed in the face and running together.  They somehow made my heart happy.  We have such a bad case of child obesity in America that it made me feel good to see young girls working on their fitness.  They inspired me to keep running even though before seeing them, I had already thought about walking.  I was able to finish nonstop the rest of the way.  It was a easy and slow but I didn’t care.  It was kinda nice not worrying about my time or pace and listening to my breath and feet.

There were a lot of people out on the trails.  People fishing, riding bikes, running, and I also ran into a walk race for St. Jude Hospital.  There were a lot of people participating in that.  I tried to stay in the shade as much as possible and run into the neighborhood under Hulen Street.  As soon as I finished, I went to my car and stuffed my face with the rest of my banana and drink my bottle of cold coconut water  to quench my thirst.  As I opened my door to stretch my leg, I saw the fake spider I saw at New Mexico,White Sands Dessert.  Noah brought it home and it appeared as I stretched and scared the crap out of me :)!!  It was a good laugh and thought to myself the boys got me again!  Till next time, keep on running!