First Long Run, round 2

Yesterday the new running clothes I ordered from Running Warehouse and Nike arrived! I love shopping!!! So of course I had to try something out on the run. Today I felt like a runner because I looked like a runner in my fancy new top :) I still run in the pair of shorts that I wear for all long runs and every race, I never change that. Although I probably should buy a second pair so I don't have to do the laundry as much. It felt weird to step into them this morning as it was the first time since marathon take 1. Anyways, I had 12 miles on the schedule and told myself if I wasn't feeling right I would only complete 10. I made it through all 12! It took exactly 2 hours. This is a little slower than I had been training before but exactly where I wanted to be today. I have to say it was a little lonely this morning - I actually miss seeing all the other training groups and having the path full with runners. It made me feel better that I wasn't the only crazy person out there training for a marathon. I know I'm not but it helped to actually see other people putting in the long miles right along with me even though we don't talk.

Starting out today I didn't have the initial heavy or rubber leg syndrome I have been having on the earlier runs since starting training all over. However the left hip started acting up around 4 miles which is much earlier in the run than in past trainings. I was still able to maintain my pace which was good. Just need to focus on my gait and do a better job of stretching that sucker. Then my left quad felt left out and wanted to let me know she wasn't too happy either. Hmm...that's a first in a long time. Probably still mad that I passed out and laid in a hospital bed for 36 hours without stretching after the 20 mile fun run :) Other than that my run was uneventful. I'm sore now maybe a little more than I should be after 12 miles but not so bad for the first time out in 2 weeks.

I will officially sign up for marathon part 1 take 2 after next week's long run. I want to make sure I am fully committed and able to complete 6 more weeks of training. Man, going into training back in April I fully expected to be done with this for now. Taking it easy and just running my 5k's and 10k's. Sure does a mental number on me to have to totally change my focus. 6 weeks, I can do this...