Yesterday was a rest day, no training. Last night we were over at our neighbors sitting outside until almost 11:30 p.m., it was nice and cool in their shady backyard and we all enjoyed one another’s company.
Needless to say when my alarm clock went off at 5 a.m. I had a less than positive attitude about crawling out of bed, especially since I have been sleeping less this week because of the heat. Somehow my legs managed to hit the floor and I ate breakfast and got ready to run. I had a 3+ hour hilly long run on the schedule and no time to waste.
I made it to the neighboring town of Weingarten, where I start my long run, around 6 a.m. I ran a gentle kilometer to warm up then headed up the first hill. I remember fighting the urge to turn around and go home, but once I made it to the top of the mountain I was away and falling into my groove.
I ran two loops which consisted of my normal 11.5K/7.1M route plus several loopback’s that I integrated. These loopbacks consisted of charging down shorter downhill side trails then running back up to my main trail again. I did this a couple times with each loop and by the end of the second loop my quads were cursing me.
I ended up running for 3:16:44, probably around 30K/18.6M. As I am currently training for a marathon I didn’t take any walk breaks like I did during my ultra training. So over three and a quarter hours of steady running, lots of hill climbing, 2 liters of sports drink and 1 short pee break.
So now, a couple hours later, my legs are sore from the workout, but no abnormal aches, pains, or cramps. After lunch I am going to try to finish up my wife’s little cupboard (or shelf unit?) that I built for her office. This evening we are going out to eat with friends of ours – a busy weekend!
Oh, but the good news...since you ran over three miles you can eat tons! Refuel! Have a great time with your friends tonight.
Oh, that should read "three hours" not "three miles". Sorry, three miles isn't enough to warrant an abnormal chow-down.
Props on getting up when you didn't want to...I'm not so good at that!
I wanted to let you know that that picture on my blog was taken near Lyons Falls NY- my grandparents have a great little "camp" up there with a handful of other folks, around that lake. It is beautiful- everytime we visit it feels like time just slows down...
sounds like fun!
Sounds like a great workout! I have something similiar planned for tomorrow morning- a very early wakeup call!
Three hours on the hills is rough stuff, Jack. Not that you're not used to it though. :)
Love the new digs, by the way.
sounds like a nice run, i need to find more hills but SC is so flat! I am also from NY (small town) and I miss the hills and mountains!
Good job on carrying through with the 3 hour run. I hate those first few minutes and miles that threaten to send me back home early but it really is a triumph in getting over them.
Sounds like you are having a wonderful weekend. :)