Longest. Run. Ever.

I saw this on a Facebook page today and it made me laugh! What am I thinking doing 32 miles? Marty and I ran 2 hours, 24 minutes last night. (4 minutes longer than we had to and those were the hardest 4 minutes ever!) We went back to White Clay Park in Delaware, where the hills are rolling like an Irish Fairytale. And, surprisingly, I felt GOOD! So, many questions went through my head (there was plenty of time to think!). Am I running better because it's evening and I've had all day to stretch out as opposed to those early AM runs? Or, is Marty just going slower today? (He says NO to that one). Am I getting stronger (in just TWO weeks? Unlikely.). Well, I guess only time will tell the answer to these! I do have to say that I am learning a lot about myself through this journey....such as how to keep pushing when I'm beat. I've also never blogged before so that reflection has gotten me to think about things differently. Okay, enough getting deep! Here's how the night went:

We got a late start. Why? Well, because of Miss Mini (the GPS's name in my car). My car (yes, a tiny Red Mini) is aptly named 'Big Red' after the BIG horse with strong HORSEPOWER. You get the idea. So Miss Mini was not turned on and here's where things went all wrong. Marty gave me directions. Well, it's been a long time since I've had to follow those. He said to get off at Exit 3. He even said it comes after exit 5 and 4 (duh!). Well, I did that. Except it was the WRONG exit 3! Miss Mini would've known better. (In case you are interested, turns out I got off of exit 3 on 495 INSTEAD of 95. It DID come after exit 5 and 4, though!).

The run was far less eventful than the car-ride. Marty did wait for me and we were both surprised at how well we each did. The time flew by, I was able to get down my Gu's for nutrition, and we didn't stop once! (Oh, wait, yes, once to cross a road and stretch very briefly). This is the longest run either of us has ever done and we will be saying that MANY more times this summer as our runs continually increase! The temperature was perfect this evening and as the sun started to set, it cooled off even more. We finished the run in the dark and will have to bring headlamps for next time! I have to say I'm a fan of the evening run and I think we'll keep doing them until they are just too long. We finished at about 9PM (nearly my bedtime!) and hit construction on the way home. :(
Got home at 10:30, took a hot Jacuzzi bath and crawled (literally!) into bed. Slept like a baby except my darn cat has been waking me up at 5:30 EVERY morning the last 5 days! Anyone want a cat named Mo?  :)
Okay, just kidding. I love him!

GEAR! GEAR! and MORE GEAR!
But the true highlight of the night is my new running pack! During the first long run with Marty, I ran with a camelback, because that's all I had! I ran TWO hours that day and the ONLY thing that hurt the next day were my shoulders! So, I immediately consulted my Ultra running partner, Julie, who recommended two packs. Well, REI carried ONE of them and I had a 20% off coupon. The decision was made! I ordered THIS Nathan pack the very next day and just picked it up!

Here's what NATHAN says: Long periods of exertion demand hydration, and comfortable ways of carrying it. The Intensity (love the name of this pack!) meets the challenges encountered specifically by women distance runners – uncomfortable shoulder straps, too-short vest length – and offers a vest that is so comfortable you’ll swear it’s an extension of your shirt. Nathan Hydration Vests utilize a system of balanced weight distribution which eliminates pressure points at shoulders. Meant to be worn a little loose, it feels more like a hug than a weight on your back.

And, a hug it was! No shoulder pain today and I could barely tell I was wearing it! So cumfy! The vest really takes the pressure off the shoulders and there's no waist harness which can = belly ache!
New. Fave. Piece. Of. Gear!

For GEAR Dorks, HERE is the pack Julie has. I'm sure we will try out each other's, so I will be sure to report back!