A big accomplishment

Today I declare my independence from laziness. Today, I ran 7 miles. Actually, it was 7.2 miles, but who's counting ;)

I was very nervous as I had missed last week's long run due to illness and had not really kept up with my shorter runs this week due to a very, very bad week. So I had not run a long run in 12 days and my last run was on Tuesday and while it was a decent time (for me...3.1 miles at a 14.1 min/mile pace) I just wasn't sure I could do it.

Still, I woke up early after only 5 hours of sleep and set out diligently just as the sun was coming up and the temps were still cool. I actually felt pretty great during the run, and really once I get to the halfway point, it's cake for me as I think, "OK I just have to get home now". Once again I am so grateful to live near such a beautiful lake and was delighted to discover yet another far off corner of the lake in my longest run yet.

I was still handed a good dose of humility as I was passed by a couple of runners, but I take my pride where I can, even if it's only passing the little old ladies walking their dogs. Hey, at least I'm faster than somebody!

With about a mile to go, I look down to realize that I'm making pretty good time, about the same as a couple of weeks ago when I ran 6.5 miles. And just as I'm in the homestretch, the iPod (and the stopwatch!) dies!!! No warning, no blip, nothing, just dead. My first thought was, "Cool, I just outlasted my iPod battery!" which is not really a huge accomplishment since it's pretty much the first iPod made but then I realized that I would not know my pace and time so I frantically pulled out my phone and set the stopwatch for the last half-mile or so.

So while the results aren't official, today I ran 7.2 miles in 1:45. Not too shabby! I'm just impressed that I was able to do the 7+ miles mostly running (very little walking) and hope that with time my pace will improve. But if it doesn't, that is OK too...i think.