I may have had the best run of my life yesterday (and an awesome run-up to my run.)
Friday night, I didn’t have any plans. I was sort of bored but really wanted to get to sleep early for my run, so I didn’t feel like making plans with anyone. So I went and got a drink at a neighborhood bar all by myself. And what do you know? Within two minutes, a guy started making conversation with me. (I wasn’t interested, but he wasn’t creepy, so it worked out okay.) I’ve gone to bars alone while traveling but never done it at home. It was sort of empowering to just walk into a bar alone, I’m not going to lie.
I came back and made broccoli rabe with sausage, with spinach instead of broccoli rabe, as my pre-long run carb loading. It was a little blander than last time, but it didn’t irritate my stomach, so it was a winner and will likely be consumed before quite a few long runs. I was in bed by 11, and it was amazing.
I woke up early to get my run on. When I tried to wake this one up, I got some serious side-eye.
“But Mom! Why do you need to keep waking me up early?”
Because I value not coming home to dog pee.
After taking him for a walk, I made my way to Niketown for their run club.
I. LOVE. IT. All these other runners going out for their long runs. There was so much excitement in the air.
I was also excited to see a familiar face. (So, maybe I talked her into to joining me so I wouldn’t have to go alone?)
We ran Summer Streets, which means Park Ave was closed down to traffic and we got to run down it. And I got to run past Ali and other friends.
I started off with the 10:00 pace group, since that’s the general pace I’m trying to keep at for my long runs, but the pace group leaders weren’t great at, well, pacing, so we ended up wayyyy closer to 9:00 miles for the first 6-7 miles. (For New Yorkers: we ran down Park until it turned into 4th Ave, then Lafayette, then Centre to the Brooklyn Bridge and back.) I met the AWESOME Gia and we ran and chatted the entire time. She had twins nine months ago and her last marathon before that was in the 3:50 range. Whoa. So much inspiration there.
I know this is probably the worst picture in the history of blogging, but what my watch says is 13.1 miles in 1:58! As in, I finally busted my half-marathon goal time! Now, to just do that in an actual race. Like, maybe that little race in Portland next weekend?
Running with Gia really pushed me, and my pace for the entire 15 miles ended up being 9:15. At this time last year, I was running around an 11:00 pace for my long runs. I was really proud of myself when I got home from my run.
After such a tough run, I figured I probably needed an ice bath, so I followed Emily’s ice bath instructions, and it wasn’t too bad.
Once I bundled up and started drinking some hot water.
I usually don’t move from my couch after a long run, but I had a fun day after my run yesterday. Including an 80s-themed party.
What about you? Park on the couch after a long run or tough workout or do stuff?
Congrats!!!! I know exactly how you feel because that is how I felt on Friday. Running with Ellen meant I was keeping 9:30 for a good part of my 14 mile run. It is amazing what we can do when we aren’t stuck in our own heads. If I was on my own I would have been at an 11:00 pace, I am sure.
I usually crash after a long run but on Friday I ended up going to yoga and organizing my apartment.
I love your blog! Great runs are the best feeling.
I’ve recently started running and am at an 11:00 pace also. Do you have any tips for getting a little faster?
@Carrie: Thanks! I think a big part of me getting faster is just running more, but I’ve also been doing some speed workouts. Look on Runner’s World–they have lots of speed workouts.
dude niketown was AWESOME.
Best discovery ever!!!!!! thank you again for making me go haha.
I napped for about 3 hours afterwards and netflixed the rest of it.
Gia’s story is crazy inspiring.. especially having twins! can’t imagine getting back into running after that. Hardcore.
@Tropical Eats: I was busy all day yesterday after my run, but my nap today was EPIC. Thanks for coming! It was awesome to see you and you looked so strong when I saw you on the bridge!
Sounds like you surely had a fabulous run and a nice little night at thhe bar! I have always been intrigued by running clubs and would love to give one a try! I don’t think there are any near me that are quite as large as the niketown one though!
I actually saw you out there yesterday but didn’t want to interrupt/be awkward. Summer streets rock! Congrats on a great long run!!
I LOVE Summer Streets! It is just the best way to break up the August long runs as we all get into marathon season. Yay for NYC!
Those group runs look really fun! Great job! That would be so fun to bond with another runner! I hope I can hook up with a group like that when I move to Denver. Congrats! I love to laze around and eat buckets of food after a long run. Just being honest! 🙂
bailey’s expression is priceless.
@Aly: He’s totally saying “Bitch, please.”
ahhhh wish i’d known about this niketown run sooner! 15 mi at 9:15? dammmmn! so awesome- congrats! you’ve totally got a sub 2 hr finish for next weekend!
xo christine
I hope that mug is full of red wine.
Obviously.
Hearing about other peoples best runs ever just makes me want to go out and get a great run in! Thanks for this motivation…I need it today!!