Double Digits

Before we proceed to the details of this week's happenings, here is a cool quote:

"Why aren't you signed up for the 401K?
I'd never be able to run that far." Scott Adams, Dilbert (4/2/01)

hah! gave me a good chuckle. Scott Adams and Dilbert are awesome. The former is a Haas alum. Go Bears!:)

I was very, very nervous Friday night and early saturday about this week's run. Reasons:

1. We are talking double digits - yes thats 10 miles. Remember, in June I could not even run 2 miles.

2. Stanford Dish - Those familiar with this terrain know thats its a hard hike. And I am supposed to run it?!? I got a preview of it the previous saturday on my 'On Your Own' run. I had decided then that if the weather remained hot, I would most likely skip this one.

But I ran. All the way. What a feeling! I started with Jen, Gina, Alan and gang around 7:45, quite late actually. The hills were hard, my legs were screaming and by the 4th mile, my stomach was grumbling. I had my first ever 'Gu' shot with water. Coming downhill was not as bad on my knees as I thought it would be - or perhaps I was just so happy that I wouldnt have to climb anymore steep inclines.

We had decided that we would go 8, but at the 8 mile turnaround, I decided I could go on a little longer. Plus I figured if I didnt keep going, I would obsess about it all week. The 10 mile turnaround came, I had my gummy bears and started on my way back to the finish. Captain Laura joined me for the last 1 mile - thanks to her I had a very strong finish. The 'Gu' works - espresso for me. I am going to take these around 4-5 miles on all the long runs.

Thats me - still smiling after the run. The hardest one so far, and yes the most memorable.