No Substitute for the Long Run

I finally got in a long run. I've been having some great runs for the 7-13 mile distance. I've had some personal best times and I have felt strong. I've been playing ball twice a week and I believe that it has helped my strength and wind. I can't remember the last time I had a long run. The body doesn't lie.

I needed some motivation. My route had to be on the streets. I had to make it a point to point run so I wouldn't cut it short. Beer = The Great Motivator. My favorite bar is Falling Rock Tap House in Denver. I knew I wouldn't have to persuade Meg to meet me there. The distance was a shade under 21 miles. Perfect route!

They were tapping Pliny the Younger. Had I known, I would have run a bit harder. They ran out minutes before I arrived. I "settled" for a barley wine brewed by Mountain Brewery called Lawyers, Guns and Money.

It seems I need to relearn fueling each year. The run heads North along the Platte River. I figured there would be plenty of opportunity to get water. I was wrong. I ran out of water and ran dry for a couple of miles. I only had one gel pack. I hit a bit of wall. After finding some water I felt revived. I was slower than I would have liked but I was happy with how I handled the pain and pushed through it. I miss those runs. Despite being on pavement it was great route.

I have a bit of work to do to break 4 hours at Georgia but Saturday was a good step in the right direction.