Running against the wind (you know, like that song?)

Today was the day that I needed to run further than I ever had… 14 miles and I was really nervous about it when I set out this morning… would my parts cooperate, would I be able to get enough water and remember to eat the little gummy things, etc., etc.  Well guess what? It all worked out and I did it!!!  .9 miles more than I’ve ever run at one time before and while it was physically exhausting, I hung in there, kept my mind in the right place and my body rewarded me with finishing pretty much unscathed. 

In honor for the 75^th anniversary of the Golden Gate this weekend, I decided to include a trip across it in today’s run.  The views were stunning as always but it was beyond windy and I found myself to be extremely grateful for the very high and sturdy railings as a few gusts actually knocked me off balance and into them (slightly terrifying but mostly annoying because the wind was blowing me sideways rather than forward as I was so wishing it would be doing).  After the steep climb back down from my treacherous bridge crossing, I wound my way along the bay over to Fort Mason to tackle that scary hill as well as the hordes of scary tourists (only scary because they were on bikes and trying to look at maps, take pictures and ride all at once).  I did think I was rather clever by working my route in a way that resulted in the wind being at my back for the last 1.5 miles rather than trying to shove me backwards as it had been doing for the majority of the time.

Today's run left me pretty exhausted so I’m off to continue my icing and hydrating regime while wearing the superhero pants that bendy Dynamic Duo (the Pilates/yoga instructor one… the other Dynamic Duo is more sporty than bendy) gave me.  The pants are CWX compression pants that are super hard to get on but once on, they have magical healing powers (and also shrink you down at least 2 sizes… too bad that doesn’t last once you take them off!).  

If you look closely, you can see the Coast Guard
helicopter (that little spec above the cloud that looks like it's touching my left toe), the Coast Guard fire boat (spraying water on the right edge of the photo) and the Navy ship they were escorting into the bay (on the left).  It's a miracle the photo is in focus as I was perched on a picnic table in a hybrid Pilates 100s pose (thanks for the lessons bendy DD!) which is never easy for me let alone after having run 14 miles.

14 miles, 2hrs 24min 05sec, avg 10.17

Cheers,
SF runner in training