Today's long run was 7 miles. I was excited. I got up just before my alarm, put on my awesome new glow in the dark running capris and my road cone orange shirt. I prepped my water and had my breakfast. Then I made sure that I had my GU Chomps and off I went. My run took me back to the fancy neighborhood down the street. The extra distance was at the end when I had to run all the way home. I figured that if I could get through the neighborhood with no problems, then I could get home.
I was wrong.
Maybe taking off this week was a bad idea. Maybe the road is really crowned and I need to find somewhere else to run. Either way, my legs gave up on me. The first 2 miles felt good. I was a little nervous using my headphones on the road when the sun hadn't completely decided to wake up yet. So, the beginning of the run was dark-ish and quiet except for the birds singing and the acorns dropping from the trees. I ran on the road since there was no traffic until I got to the neighborhood. Everything was going well. I got to the safety of the rich neighborhood and put in my headphones. I felt good. Then, all of a sudden, I felt a soreness starting in my groin muscles. I lovingly call those my "pick your fat leg up" muscles because when it starts to hurt, forward motion becomes a little harder. At first it was when I had to start running again after my walking intervals. Then it was for the whole running interval. Then it was pretty much all of the time. I slowed down a few times to try and stretch it out, but the further I went, the more uncomfortable it was. I read in one of the running books that if something doesn't change how you are running, then keep going. I wasn't changing anything to run, so I pushed through it. For 5 miles. It was a long 5 miles. I talked to myself a lot. I cheered myself to the next mailbox or light pole or corner. I congratulated myself when I made it. And, I did make it. I had to slow down a lot to keep going, but I kept going.
Now that I am home, showered, and done, my left groin muscle still hurts a little. It's been stretched and rested, but it is still sore. My right knee, which usually swells after a long run, is a little sore too. But, I ran 7 miles today. I did it and I feel good. I am looking forward to the next time I get to do it to see how I can do it better.
Today's Stats:
7.09 miles in 1:35:14 (13.4 minute mile)
According to the course map, that puts me through the Magic Kingdom (and the castle!) and almost to the Grand Floridian!
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