Today's 17 mile run

What a difference the weather makes.
Two weeks ago I slugged through 14 miles that started in the upper 70's and ended near 90.
Today I did 17 miles in almost the same time it took me to do the 14 miles.
We (my wife on her bike) started a little after 5:15 AM in the mid 60's.
When we got back about 3:40 later it was about 71.
I run long slow runs in the country and there was a breeze and the air felt like AC coming off the corn fields.
It was so much easier, but I did not push myself too much.
My fastest mile was mile 10 - I kind of got my second wind and felt pretty good.
I just showered, ate a little and then iced my hamstrings and I feel surprisingly decent.

A year ago I would have never believed I could ever go that far at any speed. Never.
I will take it easy with just short runs before next Saturday's 8 hour ultra in Illinois.
If I can keep going like today - I feel that I might be able to do a 50K or a bit more at Howl at the Moon.
We shall see.

Charles, yes it is amazing how a break in the weather can improve your running performance. Now all we need is a day like that next week. As long as you don't go out to fast and you maintain hydration/fueling the 50K is a reasonable goal.

Great job! And just wait until the weather breaks, you'll be taking even more chunks of time off. Way to go!

Blood doper!

Not a good idea to brag your weather.

Very funny!
Actually I DO go to the Indiana Blood Center routinely, but I don't GET blood!
I am a platelet donor - I think I am up to over 125 donations over the years.
I can act like a dope sometimes though!

Great 17 miles Charles.

I really expected to be a little sore this morning after running so far.
But I get up this morning and I am not the least bit sore anywhere.
Very surprised.

I guess my body is getting used to the longer miles more than I thought.
I may not be fast, but I can keep on going.
That is my "strategy" next Saturday at the Howl at the Moon - slow and steady.
I am really excited to see what I can do at that event.

charles.moman wrote:Very funny!
Actually I DO go to the Indiana Blood Center routinely, but I don't GET blood!
I am a platelet donor - I think I am up to over 125 donations over the years.
I can act like a dope sometimes though!

Over 30 gallons for me. Platelets and plasma. I evidently am thick in platelets, so they take double on 1 stick.

I have done a lot of doubles, but not too many this year.
When I started years ago - I had to do the two needle method on the old machine.
One line for in and one for the return - I hated having both arms stuck each time.
I am on the bone marrow list, but never been called.
I have been a match with platelets a few times with cancer patients.
More people should consider doing platelets - it is not that bad at all.