Plus Six

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Since yesterday went so well, I decided to join some of the people I’m doing the Ragnar with for a run this afternoon. Again, I was surprised to find my muscles held up fine and got me through another six miles. Everything seems to be holding up fine. I think this weekend’s relay will be a good time and I have no worries about the mileage. I am, however, a little curious how the running on minimal sleep will go! I have to be ready to go and at my friend’s house Friday morning at 4:30am. And I’m not a morning person.

Sixteen

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Probably much to my visiting parent’s dismay, I was a bit worked up last night over today’s 16 miles. I was worried I’d have a repeat of the illness I felt after the hilly 14.5 a few weeks ago. I was also concerned because I was going to be running alone. I hydrated, ate right and went to bed early. I woke up feeling better about the run but became excited for the run when I realized I had a text message from RF saying she could now do the 16 with me. We weren’t speedy, but we made the 16 just fine. In fact, I can’t believe how well it went. Apart from a sudden double-over side cramp in the last quarter mile, the run felt good. I’m hesitant to say it, and I know the run wasn’t exactly easy, but I believe I could have done more. Maybe not 10 more yet, but a mile might have been doable. Right now I won’t push it and will just be pleased I’m not dehydrated and hobbling.

Happy Roger Brown

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One of our weekday morning routes would bring us by this guy. Roger Brown really was incredibly friendly and we always enjoyed waving and saying hello in return. We'll miss seeing him!

Wisconsin Cows

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For the lack of Randoms lately, here is a picture from my recent trip to WI.


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I slept in this morning instead of running, but later decided to go for an evening run. I was still covered in sand from volleyball, but I headed out to run a few of the lakes anyway. My plan is to run tomorrow morning again so it is a little like the proximity of the runs I’ll be doing for the Ragnar Relay in a few weeks.

Another 13

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Saturday’s run was another encouraging run. RF and I got a little creative and came up with a run that incorporated Lake Nokomis as well as Pike Island at Fort Snelling. The new route was stimulating (but needs tweaking) and gave us a bit more than 13 miles. My foot managed the mileage fine as did RF’s knee. While there were times when I felt quite tired during the run, I did not feel worn out the rest of the day. The mileage is coming easier. This and my (mostly) pain-free foot give me some confidence for next weekend’s run, although 16 is still a little daunting.

Longer Week-Day Run

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This morning I did a longer than normal week-day run and went for about 8 miles. Getting up early enough to fit it in before work was probably the hardest part. It brought some satisfaction to run a route (and actually add to it) that used to be one of my weekend long runs. I realize this could be the case again, but right now it is pretty invigorating. And my foot seemed to handle it ok too.

Easy 10

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My run Thursday seemed to go well so Saturday I was ready to tackle a longer run. RF is battling a bit of pain in her knee too so we decided on just 10 miles. While we both had a little pain when we finished, we were thrilled to say 10 miles actually felt like a rather easy distance. I hope my foot and her knee hold out to try the next challenging distance, but so far we feel encouraged. I did go for a 40 mile bike ride with another friend later in the afternoon Saturday, so physically, I feel like I’m still building endurance. My muscles weren’t as used to cycling as running though!