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Saturday, August 04, 2007

Saturday's 17

Last night, my husband and I joined some friends at their house; we ordered Chinese and watched "300." I really liked the movie -- it was very violent, but honestly, it wasn't as gruesome as some critics made it out to be and I thought that the violence in "Sin City" was far more disturbing and graffic than this -- it was very stylized and I liked the artistry and cinematics of the film. On the whole, I thought it was neato-burrito and would recommend it (to mature audiences only).

We got home a little later than I had wanted, but that's how a Friday night is, and I didn't get to bed until 11:30. This would've been just dandy except I had to get up at 4:00 this morning in order to make it to the 5 am group run. When my alarm went off at 3:45, I so thought about not going. I seriously tried to justify staying in bed, but in the end, I knew I had to just suck it up and get out there (hey, if 300 Spartans can face a Persian army of millions, I figure I can face a long run at 5 am).

I started at 5 b/c I wanted to do a longer run and the more time before the sun rises, the better. So, I joined the early group, found someone who was my pace (yay!), and we were off. I'd originally planned to do 14, but once we were on the road, the momentum of the run and at the insistence of my fellow back-of-the-packers (there turned out to be four of us), I ended up doing 17.

You heard (or, read) me right, I did 17 miles this morning.

Admittedly, by mile 13, I was really starting to stiffen up and by 14, I seriously wanted to be done, but I pressed forth. At mile 14, 2 of our merry little band went ahead, but one other woman and I took our time through the last 3 miles alternating running with some walking. I was glad for her company; she pushed me to keep running through some times when I wanted to drop into the grass and crawl, and I appreciated having the company for that distance. And in the end, I was so happy that I decided to go for the longer run (like 14 isn't enough, right?) b/c right now, I feel really good.

It's hard to believe that a little more than a week ago, I wanted to quit. Now, I feel like a million bucks and I've done 17! I guess that's the ebb and flow of marathon training, and learning to deal with those highs and lows is part of the process (probably one of the more difficult aspects, really). Plus, it makes a huge difference how the group run goes -- this one went well, so I think I'll stick with them -- the one poor run must've been a fluke (fingers crossed).

Ahhhh...so now that I'm showered, hydrated, and fed, I'm beginning to feel sleepy. 41/2 hours is not enough sleep for Jess. I think I will return to the land of slumber and take it easy the rest of the day -- perhaps I will finish Harry Potter!

Have a great Saturday, peeps!

22 comments:

David said...

Awesome job on the run! Amazing what some success will do to your desire and satisfaction.

I think you deserve to lounge in a sunny spot (like a cat), read your book, and drift in and out of sleep, and have drinks/snacks brought to you. Okay, that's exactly like a cat except for the book.

Ryan said...

Good Job Jess. Did you dress like a Spartan when you ran? Running with a cape would be damn cool.

Anonymous said...

HOLY.
FREAKIN.
HELL.

you gooooooooooooo Jess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ws said...

great job on the run! running on 4.5 hours of sleep sucks, but if Thursday night was decent sleep, that always helps. 14 would have been enough, but 17 is even better. having someone to run/walk with is a huge plus, I'm glad to hear the group run improved this week.

Enjoy your rest today. My only addition to David's suggestion is that perhaps the hubby should stand over you with a fan to keep you cool while you relax...it is his fault you didn't get home to late, isn't it?

runner26 said...

Great run! It's so nice to get long runs out of the way. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

keith said...

the peaks make the valleys seem all the more distant...and vice versa. just roll with it. you're doing great!

Marcy said...

Yes, yes, yes Wendy is right and not only that but he should be feeding you grapes too while you lounge.

Awesome job on the run ;D I'm glad you got your running mojo back ;-)

Iron Jayhawk said...

Glad your 17 went swimmingly! I had one of those runs where I convinced myself that I wasn't doing the marathon, but rather running everyone up Michigan Avenue...and then I actually tried to figure out how I'd be able to point out distant RBFers, like yourself, in the sea of runners. Hopefully this brain lapse will pass.

You're an inspiration, girlie. Way to wake up early and GIT.IR.DONE.

Can't wait to meet you!

Erin said...

Wow! I was impressed with you running 14 today but to see you ran 17...that's great! I am so glad you had a good group to run with and will continue on. I think this is what you needed.

Sorry for keeping you up late last night. At least you could nap today.

Full Metal Lunchbox said...

Congrats on the 17!

You should feel very proud.

teacherwoman said...

Wonderful job, Jess! 17 miles after 3.5 hours of sleep! I am super impressed! Way to push yourself a little further, and have a good time at the same time!

Anonymous said...

Went for 14 and ended at 17 - that is an amazing extra distance. Way to go!

Neese said...

I had to do a double take... 17 miles!!!!???? that is so cool, way to press on, groups certainly can have their benefits, that's awesome

MNFirefly said...

Great job, Jess! Congrads!!

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

OMG!!!!! I read it twice..17 miles...you are a rock girl. That was an awesome run...it feels great to get it over with doesn't it. We are going to be doing 16.5 this coming weekend and I can't wait...I must have a marble on the loose or something....anyway congrats...hope you got to lounge away the day....don't choke on the grapes though.

Alison said...

Awesome run report. I looooooved 300, and it's not normally my kind of movie.

Wes said...

Fantastic run, Jess! Further than I've ever gone, and hearing that excitement in your voice is just cool. You rock!!

Tiffany said...

Oh my goodness... I think we have the exact same thought processes! Way to go on the 17- I too wanted to drop into the grass and crawl during my 16.

Scott McMurtrey said...

Wahoo!

Great run and awesome that the group was beneficial. You'd make a fine Spartan -- if you were a man. Sorry.

Mendy said...

Jess! That's fantastic. What an accomplishment, especially mentally setting out for one distance and completing 3 extra miles. Way to go!!!

Wow! 17 miles. :-) You are definately an inspiration.

Krista said...

I'm seriously impressed by this post - you woke up at 3:45 AND ran 17? Nice job!

Mom tried decaf once said...

Great job!!! 17 miles? You rocked it!

I hope I see somewhere that you finished HP this weekend! We need to chat about it!