This is why I run

Because some days you go out there, and achieve something you never thought possible.

 (and, I swear this is correctly rotated, but blogger has a mind of its own).

I ran 10 miles yesterday, and honestly, I'm still surprised about it. I am so, so happy that I stuck with running & didn't give up on all of the days when it was less than fun. And this run? It was one of the best yet in terms of enjoyment. I have had plenty of four mile runs that hurt a lot more. All of you people who have been saying that the first 3-5 miles are the worst? You are so very right! I could have gone further (can't believe I'm even saying that), but wanted to save a little bit for today, as I have another run planned.

Details:
I ran the first three miles with my friend, and then she took off for home, because she wasn't planning to run 10. She's not crazy like me. :-) It took us 35+ minutes for that segment, and then I stopped for a little water. I finished the next 7 miles in 74 minutes, so almost exactly at the pace I wanted to be at of 10 min/mile. I walked the home stretch of .26 miles, and stopped to pick up my water bottle that I had hidden, etc.

I tried fueling for the first time ever,and took one Gu chomp at mile 3, 7, & 9. I had some very mild cramping at mile 8, but not sure if it was related to the Gu, or just the running. Oh, and I brought one bottle of water & hid it in the woods, but planned the last half of the run around the area on the map marked by a drinking fountain. This would prove to be a colossal mistake, because when I got to the water fountain & saw that it was broken, I seriously almost cried. To the old man that saw me at the drinking fountain, & brought me a (sealed) bottle of water out of the back of your truck? You are my new best friend & your kindness was so appreciated. And yes, I was thirsty enough that I drank water out of the back of a complete stranger's truck.

Me, after my first DOUBLE DIGIT run!

I got a little emotional when I walked the last stretch home, because this is honestly something I never thought I could have done. Ever. And, I did it. I started running in February, and couldn't run a mile without stopping. Running gives me a sense of progress & personal achievement, and that's one of the reasons why I run. That, and it helps my butt not jiggle. :-)

Oh, and Mother Nature? For the extremely brief & beautiful sunshine break in the middle of the monsoon yesterday that perfectly coincided with my run? Many thanks. You know I needed it.
PS - I got a TON of beach treats for the giveaway next week. Can't wait!

Question of the day - when was the last time you pushed yourself to a new level (pace, distance, etc)? How did you feel when I was over?

Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there!