15 Miles

Mile 7 at 7:15 am - iPhone photo.
Boston is in the distance - Prudential Center and John Hancock Tower side by side. The body of water is the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.

I did a long run on the sixth of January all by myself. That was a first. Other than my Wicked half in September, I had never run longer than about 6 miles on my own. That day I ran 15.47. It felt great. In the days leading up to the run, I was worried and also excited about it.

I planned out my route, figured out babysitting for my kids, loaded John Grisham onto the iPhone, filled up my fuel belt with lots of yummy treats and I was off. It was BEAUTIFUL clear morning. Pretty chilly (although nothing compared to what I've run in since then). I ran from home to Beacon Street. Up Beacon Street, around Boston College, over to Commonwealth. Down Commonwealth and then back home. I will say I much prefer running Commonwealth (Heartbreak Hill) down.

I got through about 5 chapters of my book and when I didn't want to listen anymore, I called and talked to Matt (hubby) for the last three miles while he was on his commute. It was awesome because while he was on the phone I beat my previous half marathon and I got to "celebrate" that with him.

I was really pleased with how I felt after the run. I wasn't nearly as tired or as beat up as I had expected. I even made it through the whole day without a nap and attended an event that evening. No crashing! I owe it to the chocolate milk and egg breakfast I had as soon as I got home! I think there is something to be said for running alone...which is a good thing since I will be running the National Marathon by myself. (Any takers?!)

All in all, probably one of my favorite long runs to date. It definitely kicked my 16-miler's (this last weekend) butt. I'll have to write that one up another day.