17 Mile Long Run

This past weekend, I ran my longest run in this marathon training cycle - a 17 miler!

On Friday night, the little band of runners that remain from my old running group posted on facebook about their morning running plans. A few of us who had longer mileage connected and I was invited to join them on Saturday morning! You have no idea how happy their invitation made me (for several reasons) - #1 My run was going to have to start at 5:30 a.m. due to a crazy Saturday schedule, not to mention it's still super dark outside #2 Dark = dangerous #3 Seventeen miles is a long time to run alone.

When my alarm went off on Saturday morning, I was actually excited about my run!

We were also informed by the weather man that the highs would be in the 80's on Saturday and the lows would be in the 40's by Saturday night (a cold front was making its way in).  Despite the heat and humidity during the run, a breeze was blowing all morning which actually felt kind of nice!

Our run began around 5:45 a.m. and we kept it at a nice and easy pace, which I liked (and so did my knee)!

As we talked, the miles ticked on by and before we knew it, we had hit mile 6 and the sun was beginning to rise!

Although I don't like the mosquitos and random wildlife that I've seen down River Road, I do enjoy the sunrises!

Our first loop was right at 10 miles which meant I had 7 left to run. We stopped back at our cars at the end of the first loop to hydrate, take a gel, and potty. It was at this point that I realized I was running out of time and if I didn't go, I would be late for Brayden's Christmas pictures. So, I said goodbye to my running group friends and set out solo for the remainder of the run. 

As I was running, I realized how much I missed having company during these long runs. Having a buddy helps the miles go by so much faster!

Throughout the run, the temps rose higher and higher. I was really a nasty mess by the end of it all. Thankfully, I finished in just enough time to hop in my car and head back home to pick up Brayden for his pictures!

I'm so glad to say that my knee didn't give me much trouble during this run and neither did my hamstring. I was seriously so worried about both!

Although it was a slower pace from my norm, I really enjoyed the run and so did my body. I think I'm just going to have to learn to take it slower on my long runs from here on out if I want to make it across the finish line of Dopey in one piece!

I'll have one 20 miler left as far as super long runs go and then I'll be done! I can't believe the time has already passed by so fast! Seven weeks and counting until Dopey and Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend! Can't wait!