So today I did my long run with this amazing girl through the wonderful streets of Ahwatukee. I hadn’t run with Ari before, or done a long run with anyone for that matter. I preferred to keep my wimpy walk breaks and possible inability to actually do a long run to myself. When she tweeted me to see if I wanted to run 10 miles with her on Friday, I told her I was up for 8, and might not be able to hang. I was honestly scared to fail!

                                     

Ari took me under her wing, set a good (reasonable!) long run pace, and we were off. An hour and a half of awesome conversation, my nose draining like a faucet, Circle K bathroom breaks, and finally getting to run along the route I take to get to work every morning (I usually get jealous of all the people running down 48th St as I drive to work!), we were at mile 8.3. Ari says to me “Just to let you know, I am a workout pusher, so I am going to push you to run 9 miles today.”  Wow! She’s serious? Ok! So we did! I felt amazing, and my confidence bounced back almost immediately. I can DO this! I CAN run a half-marathon! We even pushed the pace to around 9:20-9:40 during the last mile or so. So I have a new PDR (personal distance record-thx for the dorky running term lesson Ari )!!!

Needless to say, I have an amazing new friend, and had a fantastic time running with her today! She is so positive, and really makes you believe in yourself.

I’ve realized that the reason why I get miserable and hate life during so many of my longer runs is that I really do push myself too hard. I don’t give myself a break and just enjoy myself! I have always been too hard on myself, and running is definitely no exception.

                                           

So thank you Ari for having patience and believing in me! (–AND for showing me Dutch Brothers!)

We met this amazing girl at Dutch Brothers for some post-run caffeine and sugar-free white chocolate goodness. I wish I could’ve stayed longer! (I wish we had taken a pic! I forgot…)

That’s ok, because all of the girls are running The Firefly Run tonight!! I am SO excited to hang out with all of you awesome ladies again; and, I finally get to meet Diana!

I also got a new pair of running shoes today that I am SUPER excited about! The Asics Gel Kayano 18’s.

                    

Something about them when I tried them on felt SO good and supportive and stable. Thanks so much to my friend Karen at Sole Sports for helping me to make sure these were perfect for me. I can’t WAIT to try them out!

Is anyone running the Firefly run tomorrow night?

Tell me the story about your PDR and how you felt afterward.

What is your favorite kind of caffeine to get after a good workout?

                                

Happy Trails!!