Today I ran 12 miles.
12 glorious miles.
The run felt good. I don’t want to say it was EASY, because that almost implies that I wasn’t really working. But it definitely wasn’t difficult. It was just… pleasant. A good effort that felt right.
It was really nice out this morning, probably around 78 degrees or so. A slight breeze was blowing as the sun was rising. I snapped a picture for you, but for some reason my iPhone didn’t save it. It was a beautiful picture too… the best photo ever taken by an iPhone. (I can say that because nobody will ever see it to prove me wrong.)
The only reason I’m running this far is for my sanity. I almost feel… incomplete if I haven’t gotten my running in for the week and part of that required running includes a long run.
The weird thing is the only race on the horizon right now is the Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. I seriously debated entering the full marathon; 1) trying to get a little redemption for the fall in Phoenix earlier this year, 2) getting to do the inaugural RnR event in my hometown, 3) my mileage is already high enough where I could build my base appropriately for the 26.2 distance. But I didn’t feel like I got much support in that idea from anyone around me. Plus, it probably isn’t smart to tackle the marathon right now for reasons I don’t want to outline… this may just have to be the year of the half marathon.
And yet, I feel somewhat unfulfilled. I guess perhaps I need to find some other races in these months before December.
Or learn to run without having a race to occupy my mind all the time.
Jill Will Run 
There will be plenty of time for redemption. Seriously, I ran my first marathon at 41…. you are WAY ahead of me in that one. 🙂
You should come out to Southern CA for a few races. I am seriously considering the Long Beach Half on October 11 (although, we’ll have to see how moving etc. goes). I am also running the Santa Barbara Press Half Marathon on November 7.
I’m glad you had a great run.
Thank you Lisa, that seriously helps me. I do have time for redemption. It doesn’t necessarily have to come in the same calendar year.
So Cal races are a good idea, thanks for that. Plus it would be fun to hit up a race you’re doing.
I feel you on the race occupation- I really only train well and consistently when I have a race to work for. Arizona has a good marathon (Pam Reed is the RD) in Dec- perhaps you could think about that one.
I would love to do a race in Tucson. I just finished Pam Reed’s book and think it would be fun to do her race. That race is the week after the Las Vegas race.
Great job on the 12 miles! I know what you mean about not wanting to say it was easy — I feel that way with runs sometimes. Pleasant is a good description.
i love runs like this. i am glad you had one, and 12 miles at that! i know what you mean – not effortless but not a challenge, just in the zone and feeling good. now it’s my turn for one dang it! lol. 🙂
Are you running Ragnar? Because getting ready for that is definitely going to take some time! That could occupy your time. But I know what you mean about feeling unfulfilled. It feels a bit odd for me this year to not be training like I was last yaer, but on one hand, i’m kind of enjoying having more free time and freedom to not feel guilty when I miss a day. Doesn’t that feel good?
And also that is great you felt so good on such a long run. Awesome, really!
I still don’t know if I’m running Ragnar! Aaaagh…. 🙂
I’m in the same boat right now. Las Vegas is on the horizon and although I know December isn’t that far away, it seems like it right now.
Like Lisa, I’m considering the Long Beach 1/2 in October, just for the heck of it.
Glad it’s cooled off some in Vegas. I was there last weekend and couldn’t even imagine running. I don’t know how you do it there. Even at midnight it was sweltering!