I ran 16 miles this morning.
It wasn't easy. The crazy wind that dogged me during last weekend's 10K had returned. It felt like it was coming from all directions. And when the wind wasn't blowing, the sun was hot. It was a bit like a fever, where you get hot, then you get chilled, but you never feel good. I had been up two nights in a row with Ruthie, who was sick again, this time with a nasty, pukey stomach virus. Last night Dan took most of the Ruth duty, since I had had most of it on Wednesday night. But I still was tired, and also worried, because tomorrow we take off for our Thanksgiving trip to Virginia. I don't want any vomiting kids on the airplane, or at my sister-in-law's house with her 10-month-old.
Dan and I talked about whether I should put the run off until Sunday. I told him I was happy to do just three miles today to take the edge off, if it made the packing, the Ruthie watching (Will was at preschool) and him getting some rest easier. He decided that I should get the "Big Daddy" run out of the way. So I did.
In the end, despite the wind, the hot sun, the poor sleep and the worry, it was a good thing. I kept it within my McMillan pace range for this sort of run, and as always, when I was done, I felt the confidence boost that comes only with a long effort. Perhaps even better, I'll have plenty of time to enjoy the weekend with our extended family without worrying about my long run (I still plan to do that easy three, but I'll do them on Sunday!).
Because of all this, I haven't prepared the giveaway post I was planning to leave you all with. It's a great giveaway, from a wonderful company run by a creative runner. I will have it up next Sunday. This will be my last post until after the holiday week. I plan to check in with your blogs a little bit, but I'm giving my own a rest.
Meanwhile, I will leave you with this suggestion: head over to Jill's blog and sign up for her 2nd Annual bloggers' holiday gift exchange. If you don't know her yet, Jill is a great blogger, a wonderful source of running wisdom, and the gift exchange will be fun.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
