Barriers

I had an awesome run this Sunday morning. My regular running partners were all no-shows to my running club, so I tried to tag along with the next slowest runners. I ended up sticking with them for the 9 mile run in 1:26:14, which seems like an inconceivable run for me (since I consider 11 minute miles to be fast)--and is probably my best run since my Marine Corps days, certainly my best long run since then. A couple times I tried to drop back, but they wouldn't let me quit and I am so glad I pushed on while they held back for me at the end when I was running on empty. There were so many awesome things for me with this run: I ran straight through except for stopping for traffic and water, I averaged the long run well below 10 minute miles, I ran 2 consecutive miles (6 & 7) below 9 minute miles and I really felt that this run was done at the closest to my maximum effort that I have been able to run in a long time.

In addition, I'm having to retire some clothes for being too big to wear--clothes that might have even once been a bit tight--and I have also been able to recover some clothes from my closet that haven't fit me for more than a few years.

While I've had a very stressful week at work, these events at home have been good for me.