Brutal, Absolutely Brutal

Actually, ass-kicking is a more accurate description for today's 12-miler.

My high hopes of a good run were shot after I stepped out on the balcony this morning.

Damn, it was hot!

But, like the optimistic fool that I am I thought it would be better than it turned out.

It was disappointing. Even after the first 5 miles, when I typically start to feel loose, I was feeling horribly. I just could not get into my rhythm or rid my conscience of the self-doubting thoughts. I think around mile 8 I settled into a shuffle. And I shuffled, did some more shuffling, sweat, wondered how much further I had to go, stopped for water at every stop available, doused my head in water which resulted in a nice stream of salt right in the eye, and made the last loop around the dreaded soccer fields.

I managed to get through the mileage, not gracefully, but I got through. All I can say is that the mind does amazing things when you're battling yourself to get through 12 miles.

After today's run I'm starting to re-evaluate this whole marathon thing. I've done it once before and I can do it again. This time though, I don't want to force it and risk being hurt again. I can't afford to go through another 6 months of physical therapy like I did last time.

I'll make the decision after my 20-miler. If I pass on KC, I'll keep training through the winter until the Austin marathon [my first marathon] in February. It's flat and fast...much like Chicago [and I have a friend there so it would be a relatively cheap trip].

Enter optimistic Taylor. I guess there's something to be said for getting through 12 miles in 90 degree heat. If I can do it during the hottest month of summer, I have to hope that I can do that 2 times + 2.2 more miles in October.

After the run Barb, Rego and I headed to Einstein's for breakfast where I had the do-I-get-sick-or-eat feeling. I ate. Got home. Hopped into a soothing ice bath. This time I upgraded to a medium size bag of ice from White Hen. Then, my favorite part of a tough workout, I nestled into my warm blankets for an hour nap.

I woke up--a bit stiff, but excited for the afternoon ahead of us. My wonderful boyfriend of 3.5 years, Jacob, has a fascination with flying and airplanes. Last week I bought him a 1 hour flight lesson in which I could tag along as he took off and maneuvered the plan all by himself. It was pretty sweet!

We flew right along the Lake where I could pick out the beginning and end points of my run. Despite my disappointment, as I traced the path of my run, I had nothing but respect for the distance I covered today.

Now, I'm snuggled up with my warm blankets, relaxing music, and drinking a glass of Ravenswood Merlot. I'm gonna sleep well tonight!