The Farthest I've Ever Gone

This past week was kind of weird. It was one of those weeks that I just didn't have the motivation to run. Maybe that was due to the fact that most of my runs would have to be done on my own. Not sure. But for what ever reason, I only managed to put in 3 runs this week. 

It started off pretty good with an afternoon run on Monday. Nothing crazy or particularly memorable about his run except good company and a pretty decent pace. After that I seemed to get lazy. I knew that I should run, I just didn't. It happens. Tuesday and Wednesday came and went without me lacing up the running shoes one time. Thursdays I always head into work on second shift, so I use it as a rest day. Not that I needed it to be at this point.

Friday morning came and I was back on the streets. I met Shawna and Dave for an early morning run. It was another good run. As we ran we discussed what we were planning on doing Saturday morning. I wanted to run 20. Of course Shawna, the overachiever, was wanting to do 24. Dave, who is now the newest member of the Bourbon Chase team, was down for whatever.

Saturday morning came with a 4:30 alarm. I managed to drag my ass out of bed and get ready so that I could meet everyone at the Y at 5. I was the first to show up, but was soon joined by Dave and Shawna. Before I knew it we were on our way. As we started out Shawna reminded me again that we were doing 24! There was a chance that another runner, who no one really wanted to join us, would be showing up around 6. So we came up with a scheme to stay out a little longer on our first loop to try and miss them. Our first loop was just under 8 miles. Unfortunately, as we were making our way to the cars to refill water bottles and GU, we saw the runner in the parking lot. Oh well. We quickly came up with a plan to head out on a route that would add about 12 miles to our run. I was happy with this.

As we headed out Shawna came up with the plan to add miles to the route by heading across the bridge into Kentucky. I think that is where she got me, I love running across the bridge. I have only done it a couple of times, but it is a very cool experience. On a good note, we were able to let the other runner leave us by slowing down. Before I knew it we were crossing the bridge. 

Once across the bridge we made our way along a few streets near the river. We took a few walk breaks, which were very welcome at the time. Then it was back on the bridge for the return home. Dave was beginning to slow down and have to walk more. This was completely understandable. He has made a huge leap in mileage over the past couple of weeks. As we approached the 19 mile mark, I mentioned that I would be entering virgin territory. Once the Garmin alerted me to 19 miles I began to say, with every step, "This is the farthest I have run." I don't think it took too long for that to get old, but it was fun while it lasted. 

As we were making our way into what I thought was the home stretch Shawna tells me that we are making a turn. Dammit! I could see where I wanted to go! So we made the turn, which ended up adding almost a half mile to the run. I did have to stop and walk for a few minutes along the way. But in the end I ended up running 23.4 miles, and  that is the farthest I have ever gone. I was very glad when we were done, but I am glad that Shawna pushed me to go the distance. I think I have an idea how I will feel after my first marathon, which is now just 4 weeks away!

So, that is my tale of the farthest I have ever gone. It is still hard for me to believe that I ran that distance.

Later