In it for the long run

Ever since my awesome fun run with Amy on Saturday, I have been itching to lace up again.  In fact, I secretly wanted to go running again after I got home from our expo adventure, but I staved off the mighty urges by promising myself that I would do something spectacular when I finally broke through the gates--but only if I waited like a good little recovering runner.  Sunday, too, was pretty much unbearable.  I went to yoga at Lululemon in the morning and did Insanity in the afternoon and went on a 4 mile walk, but let's be serious... nothing is like running.

I guess you could say that I've got my appetite for running back.  It's all I want to do.  Ever.

So this morning I went for it...

Distance - 16 miles
Time - 2:17

The sun was shining, the canal tow path was calling out for me to run farther along it than I ever have before, and all my running clothes were clean (thanks for doing laundry, Keith!).  Those are what I consider perfect running conditions.  

16 miles is a personal distance record for me.  And it wasn't my goal when I set out.  I guess I just got carried away as I ran down the tow path.  I think I have romanticized the idea of visiting new places by running to them.  How magical!  I can get to a spot that is 8 miles away from my apartment just by putting one foot in front of the other.  I can do that and get back home in time for lunch.  This is a beautiful sport.

The pedestrian overpass that crosses Route 1.  I had never ever noticed this overpass before.

I stopped only a few times--twice to eat a Shot Blok (miles 8 and 10.5) and once to go into a store for some gatorade (mile 12).  Overall, I feel happy with how I did.  I was really worn out at the end and probably could have continued on for only a couple of miles, but I think this was a solid performance.  I'm more excited than ever about running the Caesar Rodney Half in two weeks, and I'm relieved that I've managed to kick the anti-running bug.  I'm back, bitches, and better than ever (definitely not faster than ever though). 

The keys to my success on this run:

1. A carb-heavy vegan dinner the night before.  I followed a recipe from Smitten Kitchen for Pasta and White Beans with Garlic-Rosemary Oil.  It was delicious. 

2. 8 hours of sleep.  Enough said.

3. Smart fueling strategy.  I say "strategy" but I didn't actually plan on running 16, so it's not like I planned on buying gatorade at mile 12.  I guess it was just smart that I decided to take my credit card. 

4. Running in compression socks.  (And recovering in them.)

 5.  Giving myself permission to go slow.  This is often hard for me to do.  But I enjoy running so much more when I stop putting pressure on myself to meet a pace or an overall time or even a distance.  The best and most memorable runs are the ones where I feel free to fly like a bird. 

6. Listening to Freakonomics Radio--the best podcast in the world.  <--Not an exaggeration.  This podcast teaches me things, makes me laugh, and challenges my perspective.  It pairs with running just like a good Burgundy pairs with boeuf bourguignon. 

There are probably some other important things that I was less aware of, but these are the greatest hits.  What things do you think contribute to making your greatest runs so great?  

What's your favorite thing to eat the night before a highly anticipated run or race?