It was the best of runs, it was the worst of runs. (Not that kind of runs, people.)

Luckily the long run (13 miles) was the great one. My social calendar was packed on Saturday so I ran early. The day started off cool and overcast, so I was glad I brought a jacket. I kept it on until the last three miles or so, when the sun came out enough to leave me with some awkward little tan lines. I wore my watch but was determined not to focus on my pace; my only goal was to finish in under two hours (which I did – check!). Around the five-mile mark I started getting that tired feeling I've been having. But I ran through it and by the time I headed back from Gresham I was feeling good. Actually I was feeling GREAT – I was in the zone something fierce, and the last five miles or so flowed by with hardly any effort on my part at all. And NO tightness, not even in the usual long-run spots. Plus the mountain was back from winter hiding, and looking very postcard-y, and everything was blooming and pretty and smelling pleasant, plus the bikers were out in full force (mrrrrow!). I love runs like that, and of course it was a big confidence booster.

That's why I'm not letting Sunday's awful run bother me. I woke up really feeling those 34 miles in the bank already. I decided to put off my run until later in the day, hoping I'd get some pep back. But 'twas not to be. It was partially my own stupid fault too – I was dehydrated, and decided that running during the hottest part of the day would be nice, not torturous. So I was tired, thirsty, sore, really hot, and my stomach hurt. I was supposed to make it 6 miles but I only clocked 4.5. Not worried though – I'm proud that I made it to 38.5 miles the week after running exactly 0. I've also decided that I'm not a six-day a week type of runner. Too much wear and tear on the gams, plus the bother of fitting runs into my work & boat practice (& social) schedule, wrangling multiple changes of clothes in my gym bag, etc. I prefer doing longer runs four times a week versus running every day. I'm learning!