Training

I woke up at 4:15 AM, strapped on my shorts, compression leg sleeves, reflective arm sleeves and ankle reflectors to prevent my being struck by a vehicle whilst running. Just so you know, because most people don't ever see 4 AM, it's still pretty dark, which was perfect! I hate heat, and after about 9 AM I can't really run comfortably for more than oh, say three yards. I have been training for my first marathon, which is coming up here on the 16th of October, and today was my long run. I've never run 18 consecutive miles prior to this morning. The longest actually was Hyner, and that was the first time I ever ran 16 miles consecutively. As it turns out, it was much much harder than I originally imagined. My route took me from the store through Duncansville, out past the Dream and onto Scotch Valley. From there, I jumped onto Brush Mountain, up Frankstown mountain and dropped down into Lakemont. Thankfully I took the route the way I did, because that is one heck of a drop from the top down into the valley! Up past the park and BCB, across 99 on the bridge, up the back way over to the Boulevard to Ruskin, 57th to 58th, where I missed Oak Ave. and tacked some mileage onto the course. I figured it out though and got back on track over to Mill Road. I don't remember that road having so many hills. It wasn't too rough until you got to the Altoona side of the Rt. 22 overpass and looked over at the hill that climbs to the buffalo farm. By then I was laughing at it and talking myself through the climb, which was actually much easier than the descent. For some reason, I do awful on downhills. I did scare some buffalo on my way past, but mostly they just stood there gawking at the idiot with matching bright green shoes, calf sleeves, arm sleeves and a green shirt. It was awesome, believe me. It was about the time I reached Burean (sp?) Baptist that I started to really feel it, so I made my way down Kuhn Ln. to 764 for the end of the... somewhere between 18 and 19 miles. I then walked/ran 764 down to the shop. Although not as brutal, I would say the effort today was on par with that I exerted on Hyner.

I had gotten a pair of calf sleeves from CEP yesterday and decided to try them out today, because the ones I received from Zensah did so well on my trail run this past week. They are not even comparable. I don't know if it's the size of my legs or what, but I literally could not get them off fast enough! So I would say if you are looking for a pair of sleeves but have larger legs, stick with Saucony or Zensah (at least they're better than CEP, in my own opinion.). Joel I imagine would do fine in a pair of CEPs. He weighs 45 ounces. If you grilled Joel, you would get the world's leanest, juiciest steak. I hear they are actually going to name a cut after him. This is mere rumor, but I could see it.

In summation, the run went well. I wish I would have had a better time, but the two route screw ups threw me off. 2.5 hours is fine for now! After it all, I went home, threw up, laid in the shower, laid in bed, then went to get some chocolate milk and a Panera bagel. So all in all: worth it. I am now a few steps closer to being ready for both the physical and mental aspects of what awaits in October! Now I will sit on my butt for the rest of the day and pray someone comes for shoes. Everyone enjoy your weekends and get out and do something!!