You Can Go Your Own Way

Thursday evening and Saturday morning I was running on my own, even though the HalfWits were running both times. Do I suddenly dislike group runs? Do I think I'm better than the HalfWits.

Not at all. I know I have to do some hard-core running by myself in the weeks that are coming up, and I want to start getting used to the concept. Besides, the forecast for Saturday morning was rain, and the idea of driving into Springfield to run in the rain and then drive back was far too depressing.

So I ran on my own. I ran the 8-mile route east on Walnut to the I-55 frontage road and back. Then I did my usual 3-mile run for a total of 11 miles. I've never gone that far my myself and I was really dreading it.

But I dragged my butt out of bed at 5 for a yummy breakfast of banana, toast with peanut butter, and Gatorade. I dressed, got my two bottles of Gatorade ready for the run, and grabbed five pieces of Starburst candy since I had no Gu or Carb Boom.

And it was not a bad run at all. I had the usual difficulties in the construction zone on Walnut and the narrow shoulders on the road between Gordon Drive and the lake area, but I had no physical problems. No cramps, no unusual fatigue in light of the fact that I had no Carb Boom

What really got my attention was the feeling I had once I had completed the 8-mile loop and started in on the final 3-mile loop. I felt energized, almost as if I had convinced myself that I was just starting a 3-mile run, as if I hadn't already run 8 miles.

Wild.

At the end, I was glad to have logged an 11-mile run on my own. In just a few weeks, I have to go twice that far. I'm dreading that one as well.