I set out early this morning for a 10 mile run with two of my best running buddies. Both have pushed me through many a painful runs while marathon training. There is something special about the bond you share with your ‘endurance’ friends. They get it. They understand when everyone else just thinks you’re crazy.

Last weekend said friend and I ran 8 miles, fairly easy.

Danielle, my dearest friend.

This weekend, knowing I should run long, was already in the mindset that I didn’t want to run more than 6 miles. This week starts an intense training month leading up to Ragnar Relay, so I thought I’d take it easy this morning. Nope. Danielle says “I’m running ten”. She is one of the LUCKY few who was accepted in to the Nike Women’s Half-Marathon in San Francisco (SOOOOO happy for her) in a few weeks. It’s a lottery entry, she is stoked to be running it. So, how can I leave her hanging for 10 miles alone? So another friend and I man up and run it with her. Endurance was fine, but my legs hated every step of it. Bricks, much? Especially those last two miles where they were cursing me. Yes, I heard them.  And the red lights, the dreaded red lights. Stopping and going, might as well just shoot me now. Ok, so I might be a tad dramatic…but you get my point. The funny thing is, how many times have I ran 10 miles? I’ve lost count. But I still have those runs where I feel like a beginner and not quite sure how to make my legs move forward. Those are the runs where I have to visualize what awaits me at the finish…

Recovery

A delicious Con Pane cinnamon roll and roasted turkey sandwich. I’m telling you what, you haven’t experienced a deli quite like Con Pane. It makes ANY run worth it! Oh and the San Diego skyline isn’t a bad view either.

Fun in the sun

Took the kids to Coronado to run around this afternoon.

A trick I learned (thanks Holly!) during marathon training to help aid in recovery was to “rinse” your legs using a water hose, as soon as you could after a run. There were many a run, I was standing in my driveway hosing my legs down with ice cold water. But, I swear by it. Same effect as an ice bath, just a tad more bearable. I say that because my legs were sore today and standing in the ocean had the same effect. It was COLD today. But the kids loved it.

Pre-RUN: GNC’s Pro-scuplt and 1 orange.

I’ve also added these bad boys to my supplements.

GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil 1500

Fish Oil

GNC Probiotics Ultra 5 Probiotic Complex with Fiber

Reduces harmful bacteria and aids in good bacteria for digestion.

GNC Total Lean Engergizing Lean Chew

Energy chews

Hope you’re enjoying the weekend!