My longest run to date

Today I reached two personal records. First, I successfully (and painfully) completed my longest run to date... 11 miles. Second, I ran for 2 hours and 35 minutes! I never would have thought that I could "run" for that long (there was some jogging in place, but I never stopped at least). Here's the summary:

The night before and earlier in the day I was concerned that Joe would not be joining us, because he injured his hamstring the night before. Lucky for me he's tough and came along for the run anyway (THANK YOU JOE!).

I didn't think that we were ever going to reach 8 miles, but we finally did at 1:57. My body was aching at that point... arches, knees, hips, butt. lol I am very, very proud of my roommate for finishing. This was her longest distance.  (oh yes, and in the first 8 miles I saw a guy skipping. It was amusing! So was the big guy walking a tiny little dog with one hand and holding a second little dog, with a pink bow, in the other hand... that was great!)

After the first 8 miles, Joe and I had another 3 miles to go. The last 3 miles were run in the dark... it was creepy. And dear sweet Joe was a trooper. He put up with all of my whining and complaining. I am quite grateful for him being there to help me finish, and for not tripping me after I laughed at him swallowing a bug (hehe). I am happy to report that we did finish the 11 miles, even though it was 2:32 when we did.

I came home, barely walking (hips and knees quite sore), took a wonderful ice bath, ate some cereal, stretched, and now here I am blogging away an watching tv (I'm too tired for pilates tonight). I have a feeling I am going to be going to bed early.

I hope that I will be feeling alright for my race on Saturday. I really, really want to beat my previous 5K time, but who knows. The roommate and I are meeting with a co-worker at the pool after the race. She is going to show us the basics of what we are going to be learning (she is a triathlete and is the person who told us about the lessons). I am hoping that meeting with her will make me feel a little less nervous before our first swim class on Wednesday.

Okay, I think I'm going to use the foam roller then head to bed. I hope everyone has a great weekend!