I ran 9 miles on Saturday and I am still alive

9 miles down, three more long runs planned of 10, 11, and 12, then a week of shorter runs, then the race. It is getting more real now.

I ran my 9 on Saturday with my friend Wendy. She mapped out a 4.5 mile loop from her house, and we left promptly at 6:30am. It was just starting to get light out, but it was actually warmer than it had been the previous mornings. I was actually worried about the cold and purchased an ear cover, but didn't need it. I did run in a long sleeve shirt though. I had a Gu prior on my way to her house, and stashed a Hammer Gel in her mailbox to pick up at the half way point.

We finished in I think one hour, 36 minutes, which considering the previous week we did 8 mile in one hour and 32 minutes, this was a great improvement. I felt better, there were no monster hills, and I think I was just more there mentally for 9 miles. I think last week it was hard with the hills, traffic, and worrying about leaving for Savannah.

I ended up icing my knees Saturday night, but I think it had to do with the fact that I ran, then went to the VT/Duke game were we walked pretty far from where we parked to the stadium and back carrying a 30 pound 3 year old. And then I went and sat in bleachers for Ashley's football game she cheered at. So my knees were pretty pissed, but Sunday morning they felt fine. The only thing that was sore was my lower calf muscles (or lack thereof).

Ray is most likely not going to run the race. He ran yesterday morning, but woke up unable to put any pressure on his foot this morning. Not good. I am thinking he needs some time to heal.