Still Truckin with Visors, Survive Difficult Run

With the team down a few members (Brandon visiting Ithaca and Crystal qualifying for the National Marathon) we set out from the 'burbs of Reston, VA for 14 miles, once again along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, donning new TNT visors.

"Block the rays!"

Unsurprisingly, many of us are carrying nagging bumps, bruises or strains with the smallest ache compounding over the now two hours spent of pounding legs against concrete.

Regardless, we all survived what was the farthest distance yet for any of us and did so while crossing over an inspirationally named stream dubbed "Difficult Run." While the pace of running usually allows for some conversation, there is plenty of time reserved for introspection. One thing I've been considering is how the course of a run feels.

I've come to decide that for me, it's a bit like the flight path of an airplane:

Warm Up and first couple miles = Take off - Hyper energized, excited for what lies ahead and burning fuel fast.

Miles 2-4 = Climb - Burned off starting adrenaline, adjusting to course and working out kinks in stride depending on how the body is feeling.

Miles 5-10 = Cruising altitude - Found stride with footsteps drowning all else out, past checking times and distance every quarter mile, refueling with water and energy gels (ewwwww)/jelly beans (mmmmm jelly beans).

Miles 11-13 = Descent - Up and down with a little turbulence dealing with a tired body, slightly re-energized by signs of the finish line although approaching final mile seems to take forever.

Mile 14 = Landing - Tired feet are landing gear waiting to touch down with the last mile disappearing faster than expected. Leg stretching, friendly faces and food await after some taxiing back to the parking lot.

Yea, it's maybe a bit of a stretch, but we all have some weird thoughts during that much running right? Feel free to share some of the ideas your brain generates along the way.