A Runners Blog #2

So I finally experienced the so called runners high, or as my training partner calls it 'a glory run'. Yesterday on our run we set out with the intention of running about 6 miles. We devised that if we took our normal 4 mile course (2 out and 2 back) and added what we assumed was another mile roughly, we would have no choice in the matter and thus not be able to cut the run short and just power on through, if we only knew then...

It started out fairly well with a good pace but not too fast with both of us sensing and realizing the fact that we were going to try and push ourselves a little today. After we made the turn around we both acknowledge the fact that we felt strong and that's when I first got the feeling that something awesome might be brewing. I began to figure out course altercations to prolong the run and hopefully push past previous barriers. After reaching our previously designated finish line we both agreed to one more mile. Our pace remained steady and even picked up a bit. After quickly reaching the end of the next mile an unspoken acknowledgment to 'one more' was made. I was feeling great at this point, I was now running in uncharted waters for me, prior to yesterday the farthest I had ever run was 7 miles at the Bix in July, we were now fast approaching mile 8 and I was quickly running out of deviations to my previous course outlines, I have never had a training run in excess of 5 miles, hell, previously I would get tired if I had to drive more than 5 miles let alone run it. So I improvised and just ran, I figured in my head and later confirmed with the odometer in my car that we had traveled roughly 9.5 miles in 1hr 18min, which was equal to my training partners, and one minute faster than mine, Bix 7 this year. I have never experienced such a feeling from running, it was exhilarating to do something I previously thought wasn't possible. I have had my doubts about running a half marathon but after yesterday I realize that I have the capacity and with the proper training will be able to achieve that goal as well as running a full marathon.
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