An Emotional Long-Run

I didn't really feel like running this morning. I had set my alarm for 5 a.m. but didn't hear it... I awoke at 6 when DH's cell phone chimed with some reminder. I dragged myself out of the comfort and warmth of my bed and my 2 year old son (he always crawls into bed with us at night and is just like an electric blanket as he snuggles up to me and caresses my face).

Not feeling 'into it' this morning I decided to bring along my iPod to help provide some motivation. My plan was to do 14 miles and I told DH I'd be back in about 2 hours.

I listened to Phedippidations #63 (Running Legend: Bill Bowerman) ). I made a couple stops (one for a nature call and one to watch the start of one wave of the Deschutes Dash - a sprint triathlon that I'd love to do next year, and one a while later to refuel with a Clif Gel).

At about mile 7, I started a new podcast, Phedippidations #85 (Running Legened: Steve Prefontaine). As Steve talked about the death of Prefontaine ... I was overcome with emotion. I actually started to cry (just a little) as I thought about the impact Pre had on the world of running... what he accomplished in his 24 years and what he could have accomplished if only he hadn't driven on Skyliner Road that fateful evening. If only...

I started to think about how lucky I am to be able to run. To be able to get out everyday (if I choose) and push myself to the limit. I thought about my coach & lifelong friend, Paul. The one coach who truly believed in me and pushed me to always do my best. He took his own life two years ago. I think about him a lot actually. I run for him.

The last 2-3 miles were really tough - I wanted to stop. I just felt drained. I switched over to Matchbox 20 on the iPod and that helped me through ... the last couple songs I listened to were slow and I matched my tempo to the music... just kept moving forward.

I finished the 14 miles in 2:13:08... an average 9:30 pace. Not great. Not bad.

Jumped into a cold tub, ate breakfast, got started on dinner (home-made pizza), and sat down to blog and do a little digi-scrappin. DH is going to see Harry Potter this afternoon with a friend (lucky him - I couldn't find a sitter at the last minute). :)