A Confidence Building 17 Miles

Happy Saturday!!!

I was just telling Theodora that after training for four marathons, it seems like the 5th time is a charm. I am loving marathon training this year and so far it seems to be loving me right back with strong results!

As Bo is still recovering, I was in charge of dinner last night. He taught me how to make our favorite long run dinner – sautéed scallops over angel hair pasta with basil and fresh tomato sauce. On the side we enjoyed some crusty bread, a glass of wine and Good Morning Vietnam.

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I rolled over this morning at 6am and felt the cool air coming through the window. That and a double check on the Weather Channel app confirmed that I didn’t have to wake up early to beat the heat. It was 48 degrees and the temperature by noon would only be 65. I curled up and slept for another 2 hours.

I spent an hour sipping coffee and NUUN, eating peanut butter and banana on toast and foam rolling while hanging out with Bo. I also spent some time mapping out a completely new route that would take me out through France before coming back into the Swiss countryside.  image

It was so nice to relax and enjoy the morning before heading out the door at 9:15. Once again I wore my favorite running outfit which is definitely going to be sported in Berlin on September 28th. Regardless the temperature it is perfect!

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Why hello, small little border crossing! 2014-08-16 10.05.26

I was able to run on bike paths or sidewalks for 90% of today’s run which was such an absolute joy! I was rarely alone and the views were magnificent. Different from my normal lake views, today I had corn, sunflowers, fluffy clouds and cows for as far as my eyes could see. Passing through a few small towns meant that I never had to worry about running out of water. I fueled while taking this picture at mile 6 with a salted caramel Gu. The small, picturesque church was right in front of me as I turned to run into the town.

I lost myself in my thoughts and today’s Spotify playlist which included everything from Avicii, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Jessie J, Swedish House Mafia, Taylor Swift, The Killers, Bastille, The Lumineers, Calvin Harris and La Roux!

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My only other stop was at mile 12 to take in another Gu and refill my water bottle at a small roadside café. 2014-08-16 11.14.49

I knew I was almost done when I reached the lake, a welcome site. The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing and as I ran into a co-worker I couldn’t help but smile. I felt stronger on this long run than I have ever felt on a run of this length.

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I am so thankful for today’s run. It was the confidence booster that I needed to remind me that what was once my dream, stretch goal for Berlin can actually become a reality if I continue training smart and strong.

Today’s Splits

1. 9:40

2. 9:31

3. 9:49

4. 9:48

5. 9:37

6. 9:45

7. 9:41

8. 9:39

9. 9:31

10. 9:25

11. 9:19

12. 9:40

13. 9:31

14. 9:42

15. 9:18

16. 9:46

17. 9:35

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How was your long run or workout today? Did you have cool temperatures or are you fighting the Summer heat and humidity?

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