The big 1-8

Eightteen was on the schedule for this weekend, and honestly, I was excited.

Mostly, because that meant pancakes afterwards.

If you don't love pancakes, you are weird.

Anyway, I was all ready for the 18.

Fuelbelt: check.
GU/Honeystingers: check.
Visor: check.
Sunglasses: check.
Tjom (Garmin): check.
Sunscreen: check.
Clothes: check. (hehehe)

I got about a quarter of a mile out after my warm up and realized I forgot BodyGlide. Yikes! I turned around and bopped back in.

BodyGlide: check.

Ok, THEN I was ready.

Fall is awesome, because it doesn't require 5 AM wake up calls on a Sunday to get a long run in. However, when the forecast is sunny, I don't recommend waiting to start your long run until 8:30. That sun can still get a little warm.

Lately, it's been taking me about 3 or 4 miles to really find my groove. Or maybe my body just knows how to really do the proper racing strategy: it definitely starts out slow.

It was an interesting run. I'm the sort of runner that likes to acknowledge my fellow runners when I come across them on the road. After all, we are kindred. However, every single female runner I came across would not acknowledge me. It really got to me after awhile.

Then I realized I needed to get over myself.

After that, I was happily bopping along.

I really love running in Kansas City, even if it is super hilly.

Yes, I realize hilly is a relative term. It's Midwest hilly, I promise.

About mile 14, I started to get bored. I was kind of over the run, but I only had 4 left. I can do 4, I kept telling myself.

After mile 16, I didn't really care that I was automatically hitting a mileage PR with every step I took. My brain was mush. I had to focus on my breathing during my run portions and count by 3's on the walk portions just to keep my sanity.

But then ... 18! Yessssss! Time: 3:45:46. I don't mind being slow, but damn, it's time consuming.

I was so happy, mostly because I was done and there was an ice bath followed by pancakes waiting for me. All I had to do was take Jeff out to do his business. Of course, he would take forever when I wanted him to be quick about it.

Did I mention I had pancakes?

Also, that ice bath was amazing. I am forever grateful to the person who practically forced me into my first one.

4 more weeks ....