NOLA Week 2: Back to Base-ics

Distance: 13.02 miles
Time: 2:28:27 <--PR!
Route: Cullen Park to 8AF Museum and back

Cold, cold, COLD! Holy cow. Winter has settled upon Northern Louisiana. Yes, we hit 71 the other day, but man, it has gone away. I got up at 5:20 this morning and checked the weather. 38 with a "feels like" of 34. Yep. Colder than last week. But I was looking forward to the run and I'm slowly acclimating to the cold. It reminds me of swim practice back in the day. It would start in March and it was always cold in March. But, instead of complaining and avoiding, you jump in the water and just go.

This morning marked the first time that I have run on the long base trail since the last marathon. I actually remember the last time I ran it. I ran the flightline with Erin the night before we went to New Orleans. Today, I decided to change it up a little and start at Cullen Park, rather than using it as a turnaround. Usually, I like the change ups, but this time, I wasn't really a fan. I think I'll just start at the museum from now on. It was REALLY dark on the path out there. I kept one of my earphones out because it totally creeped me out. I had my running light with me, so I used it. The forest is right next to the path, so I wanted to make sure that nothing jumped or scurried out at me. :)

I ran to the ALS (Airman Leadership School) compound and did two loops around the compound (each loop = 1 mile). I decided to get them both done at the same time so when I met up with Jenn, we wouldn't have to make the detour. I started to get a little tired when I hit the East Gate, so I pulled out the Gu and kept going. I met up with Jenn at the museum and off we went. I had forgotten how much I like running by all of the static airplane displays.

I love my running buddy! She doesn't have to do these runs with me, but she does anyway. We always have great conversations and this week, she found out that they will be moving this upcoming year to Georgia. I'm so grateful that we've been able to run together. It's rare to find someone that runs almost exactly the same pace as you. My friend Blue and I ran the last marathon together, but she has become much faster than I. :) It's amazing how much you can get to know someone in a matter of runs.

I started to get really tired around mile 11. I started thinking about my brother-in-law, Matt, who is running his first half this morning. My friend's husband is also running the same race today in his first half as well. I'm proud of both of them! When Jenn and I reached the finish, I took a look at the time and had surprised myself. I PR'd again. Didn't know if I would, but I'm proud of it. It was a good run with even better company.

So, the second official week of training is done. My sanity is still in question, but I'm trying a new plan this time around. Here are my remaining long miles: 10, 15, 16, 12, 18, 14, 20, 12, 8 and then marathon. When I put it in that perspective, it looks like it is right around the corner. Week 2: Thank you for the PR and for the awesome friend. :)