The Big 13

I can't believe I'm about to admit this, but I think I actually like running, and it only took 8 months to get to this conclusion. This realization probably came at the perfect time since our mileage is only going up. If I'm going to run this many miles, then I might as well enjoy doing it.

On Sunday, Adam and I completed our first 13 mile run. I'm not going to lie; it's quite empowering to be able to run 13 miles. I can only imagine what completing a marathon will feel like. The run started as most already have ... early in the morning and we tried a new trail. To run as the sun is coming up is becoming a highlight of running in the mornings. It's beyond peaceful and absolutely exquisite.

We've really been working at trying to establish a consistent pace so that we can run the distance without wearing down. We encountered some hills and some steep down slopes, but were able to maintain a relatively decent pace. I am continuously amazed at the variety of runners out there; there are runners from every age group and all ability levels. Sadly, I'm learning that many of the "older" runners can seriously outrun me. They literally approach me from behind, then pass me to the point where I can no longer see them in the distance. To make myself feel better, I like to believe that they are only out for a mile run, but, in reality, I know that they probably hit the trail around the same time I did and have already covered double the distance. Good thing I have high self-esteem.

The actual run was phenomenal. It wasn't until the second we stopped where I experienced a level of pain and discomfort I hope to never experience again. We stopped and my legs turned wooden ... stiff and hard to bend. It was rough. We stretched and stretched, but to no avail. Our muscles were tight. So, we came home, ate our traditional post-run meal (Greek salad), then we positioned ourselves on the couch where we didn't do anything for the remainder of the day. We were home before 10 am, so we felt pretty pathetic. Apparently, we went to war with the 13 mile run and the run won, as I'm sure it typically will.

I'm pretty certain that running should make us more productive rather than extremely less productive members of society.