Week 8: Half marathon down, half to go!

This week's long run was 13 miles -- that's a half marathon (if you add the 0.1 miles, which of course I did)!

It was my first time not running a long run with my Team In Training group. I had the option of connecting with Rochester's group for their run, but opted instead to run with my friend Mike. Mike hadn't run that far in quite some time, but has been heavily training for our upcoming Warrior Dash, so he was up for the challenge. I was a bit nervous for taking on the run without the group, but I loaded up my Camelbak with half Gatorade, half water, packed a Gu and my shin brace, and put one headphone piece in so I could hear my Runkeeper distance and pace prompts while still talking to Mike along the way.

We ran along the Erie Canal, which was far flatter and straighter than I'm used to. The section we ran along was over 80% gravel and dirt, which was far friendlier to my shin and joints than the usual cambered roads I typically travel on. I think I have that to thank for being able to complete the run, as I had to cut Friday's 4-mile run short due to shin pain and feared I wouldn't survive the long run because of it. I had about 30 seconds of shin pain about 75% of the way through the run, but it went away, thank goodness!

Unfortunately, Mike was a little under-hydrated and started having issues when he ran out of Gatorade with a couple of miles left. He pushed through most of it, but had to walk/run the last mile. I walked with him for some of the time, then ran on ahead and walked back to meet him once I was finished.

Overall, the run felt great! It helped that the weather was far more cooperative than the previous week: not too hot or humid and cloudy skies for most of the run. I enjoyed a post-run protein smoothie from the Pittsford Wegmans Tea Bar, something I definitely miss here in Connecticut!

The only real pain I've had while recovering from yesterday is in my left knee. It's very stiff and sore, but I'm not sensing any actual injury -- I think it's just whining a bit from all the activity. I've been taking it easy today and may skip tomorrow's run if it's not feeling better by morning. At this point, it's important not to push myself too hard so I'm not risking injury.

Thanks so much to last week's sponsors:
Peter Maurer
Jen Bergman
American Products
Kathy Porcelli (my mom!)
Ruthie
Elly Garver
Rose Gabriel

Unofficial total is $1491.52!

My date of recommitment is August 19th. That's when I officially make the decision on my fundraising goals and which marathon I'll be doing. If you're planning on making a donation but haven't done it yet, now is a great time to show your support and encourage me to go for the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco!