First things first though, I had to make a stop at REI (aka- Disney World) for a new Camelbak. You see, I've been shoving this huge bladder into this tiny Camelbak for a few months...
And it just hasn't been working so well. Probably because the camelbak is dirt old. And not shaped right. And old. Really old.
So I walked into REI, asked a sales rep if they sold camelbaks without bladders. The answer was no, but they could "damage" one and sell it to me , discounted 5%, without the bladder. While they were busy 'damaging' it (cutting a tag off, nothing major) I went and found these delightful little treats:
Hellllooo peppermint stick cliff bar =)
And peanut butter Gu? Don't mind if I do!
Since all three items were their "flavor of the month" I bought them for under $ .90 each!
Anyway, I got back to the sales counter where my camelbak had just been damaged and the lady convinced me to just buy the entire thing, bladder and all. She ended up giving me 10% off on the already discounted $70 Camelbak. I walked away with this baby for $35!
And THAT is why REI rocks my world and I will always come back to them!
Ok, now on to the running stuff.
I got a rather late start because I didn't particularly want to run in 30 degree temperatures. It was kind of nice waking up at a leisurely hour and not starting until 9:00 am =) By then it was in the 40s and quite comfortable.
The first 13 miles was rockin'. I wasn't paying attention to my Garmin AT ALL and was running solely based on feel. My legs were holding up pretty well and I felt almost no fatigue at all. I got that warm, fuzzy, "I love running" feeling and I could see unicorns prancing around and sparkles were everywhere...
I did leave quite a trail of snot rockets in my wake though, since the cold was making my already stuffed up nose run. But it's ok, the flowers on my Camelbak made up for my flying mucus (gotta be girly somehow).
I met my running bestie at mile 15 who ran the last five with me. She oogled at my flower power camelbak and agreed, it made me look like a BAMF. And no, I will not tell you what that means becausewomen and children mothers are reading this blog.
I had some more random thoughts somewhere between miles 1 and 20, but they're a jumbled mess so I won't ramble on about them. One day, I'm going to write a post of randomly generated thoughts from my long runs. Until then...
I think I reached a major milestone in my 'distance' running with this run. I didn't view the distance as some big scary monster. I didn't see it as a "freaking long way to run" this time, it was more of a journey. I can almost say the distance doesn't intimidate me anymore, probably because I've tackled it enough times to know what it feels like.
Bring on the 30.0685596!
(oh dear God, does this mean I'm slowing priming myself for ultras?!?!?)
Anyway, I got back to the sales counter where my camelbak had just been damaged and the lady convinced me to just buy the entire thing, bladder and all. She ended up giving me 10% off on the already discounted $70 Camelbak. I walked away with this baby for $35!
And THAT is why REI rocks my world and I will always come back to them!
Ok, now on to the running stuff.
I got a rather late start because I didn't particularly want to run in 30 degree temperatures. It was kind of nice waking up at a leisurely hour and not starting until 9:00 am =) By then it was in the 40s and quite comfortable.
The first 13 miles was rockin'. I wasn't paying attention to my Garmin AT ALL and was running solely based on feel. My legs were holding up pretty well and I felt almost no fatigue at all. I got that warm, fuzzy, "I love running" feeling and I could see unicorns prancing around and sparkles were everywhere...
I did leave quite a trail of snot rockets in my wake though, since the cold was making my already stuffed up nose run. But it's ok, the flowers on my Camelbak made up for my flying mucus (gotta be girly somehow).
I met my running bestie at mile 15 who ran the last five with me. She oogled at my flower power camelbak and agreed, it made me look like a BAMF. And no, I will not tell you what that means because
I had some more random thoughts somewhere between miles 1 and 20, but they're a jumbled mess so I won't ramble on about them. One day, I'm going to write a post of randomly generated thoughts from my long runs. Until then...
I think I reached a major milestone in my 'distance' running with this run. I didn't view the distance as some big scary monster. I didn't see it as a "freaking long way to run" this time, it was more of a journey. I can almost say the distance doesn't intimidate me anymore, probably because I've tackled it enough times to know what it feels like.
Bring on the 30.0685596!
(oh dear God, does this mean I'm slowing priming myself for ultras?!?!?)
After 30+ years of running I must also be older then dirt? Scary as distance sounds at first, its a lot easier then when you start and always have to run fast and hard. Still almost all the runners(roadies) I started with years ago no longer run. Not sure what that says about your father?
ReplyDeleteWow, your REI rocks!!! How did you like the PB Gu? Sounds yummy :) Way to go, girl - you're awesome and I'm so proud of you reaching a 20 miler milestone! I can't believe you're running further than the 26.2….crazy!
ReplyDeleteyour REI does rock! that's pretty awesome...for reals.
ReplyDeleteand crazy..i find it amazing when people runners can just bust out double digits (and 20 no less!) just for the heck of it!
Beth- I really liked the PB gu! It tasted like I was eating peanut butter straight from the jar. If you're a PB fan, you'll like them!
ReplyDeleteRebecca- haha, thanks =) I'm trying to get ready for that 50k... and I guess there is this obsessive compulsive part of me that NEEDS to run long.
Um 90cents for the GU???? I haven't seen the PB here yet. Interested in trying but afraid too. I ventured out of my vanilla comfort once and it was not a pleasant experience. Nice job on that run. Just can't wrap my head around 20 miles. My PDR is 14.5 and quite frankly, that was enough ;-)
ReplyDeleteHeather- yes- 90 cents!!! They have a different 'flavor' every month, so when it's one I like, I stock up. And you could pull out 20 miles, just add a mile or two on to your long run. If you're already at 14.5, you'll be there in no time!
ReplyDeleteWOW! 20 milers like they're no big deal. I've only done one (plus the actual marathon), but can never imagine finding them 'easy'. Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteMothers read your blogs, huh? Well, I must comment on the beautiful "back drop(s)" for your running paraphernalia. Someone must love you lots to give you all those Christmas quilting goodies. Gee you think you may do ultras someday? That is scary.
ReplyDeleteDanielle, I always enjoy reading your posts! You had me hooked with the blog entry where you showed a photo of you lying face down in the middle of the road! Just think how hard that one seemed and how much easier and more peaceful this one was. I've only done one 20-miler, but I hope to follow in your footsteps and do more. You are truly an inspiration, Gator girl!
ReplyDeleteRose- don't worry, you'll get there!!!
ReplyDeleteGail- wow, you are so right! I just reread that post and you're right, I've come a long way!! Thank you for your kind words =) Can't wait for your marathon!