6 miles. 1 hour. 14 min.
I am very pleased with my run today. It was tough and my goodness, it’s so freaking hot outside. I kinda hit a milestone to day. I took my first Goo. Goo is a gel that has calories, electrolytes, caffeine, etc. You’re supposed to take it for long mileage and my coaches said that 6 miles is a good distance to start trying it out to see what flavors you like. Obviously, I chose chocolate. It didn’t taste particularly bad, but the texture is a problem. Let me tell you, it’s not called Goo for nothing. I took it at the 1.5 mile mark and SICK OUT! It felt (and still feels) like a lump of crude oil sitting in my belly. I hate to equate it to the worst environmental disaster in the United States, but it is an environmental disaster in my belly.
The good news is, I feel like it really did help me get through those last two miles. I walked for a total of, maybe, two minutes. My time doesn’t count water stops. Those were like a little slice of heaven today. Especially because they helped to dilute the Goo! In any case, I’m really proud of myself. I finished strong and really picked up my pace at the very end. I like to do that because, if I finish strong at six, I know I’ll have gas left in the tank when it’s time to run 7. It’s a little mind game I play with myself.
When I got in the car to come home after the group run, I noticed all these white specs on me. I started rubbing my arms and my face and, I swear, it started snowing in the car. It felt like sandpaper. Folks, it was salt. How do I know for sure? I licked my shoulder. There is no question. My body is a salt mine. I can’t wait to take a shower!!!
While I was licking my shoulder…I kid, I just did it once, but on the way home, “Dust In The Wind” by Kansas came on. Another great song, if I do say so myself. My favorite line: just a drop of water in an endless sea. That’s how I feel about my training. Every day I run is just a drop of water compared to marathon (the sea). Well, today, I did about a quarter of that! Again, I’m pretty proud of myself…have I mentioned that? 🙂
I’m excited for my 10 year reunion tonight. I’m not sure what to expect, but I look forward to blogging about it. I’m also excited about Father’s Day. I got some pretty cool gifts for all the Dad’s in my life. I LOVE giving gifts. Okay, busy day today of studying, etc.
Blessings.