On Saturday morning I set out to accomplish an 8-miler as my long run of the week. Yes, 8 miles is nowhere near as long as I was covering back in July, but in my current state, 8 miles was going to be a big task. I told myself, “Just cover the miles, even if you have to walk a bunch of them. All that matters is covering those 8 miles.” I even brought Tally along with hopes that she could stick with me for at least half the run.
So why was this run so perfect?
The weather was gorgeous with bluebird skies and warm sunshine. The temps were in the high 60s when we started and only heated up to the low 70s. To me, that is the perfect running temperature. I chose a beautiful trail that’s essentially in my backyard and although there were no coyotes on Saturday, I still enjoyed the open space. I mean, how could you not?
.JPG)
I wore my favorite running outfit and that made me smile. I seriously love my Reebok Poly Play Dry tank because it fits loosely and never rides up, which drives me bonkers. Plus, the neon purple looks nice ‘n sassy next to my beloved Pure Cadence. I was like walking neon light and loved every minute of it!
.JPG) |
| Run Happy! |
My music was rockin’ because I had Pandora’s “80s Cardio” station bumping in my new Yurbuds (which, if you don’t have, please try immediately! Best earbuds EVER if they stay in my tiny little ear canals! Plus, mine are purple–earbuds that match my outfit? Yes, please!) (And yes, I still have my girly moments!) The 80s Cardio station actually focuses more on music from the early 90s, but it’s pretty sweet. Lots of hair band rock ‘n roll and Michael Jackson tunes!
.JPG)
Tally behaved. Enough said on that one because we all know how rare those days are!
The run felt easy. What?! That never happens to me, especially not when I’m coming off 3-months of little-to-no running! The first mile was painful, but it always is as my body shakes off the cobwebs and the blood gets pumping to my legs. My RLRF plan called for me to run at marathon pace +45 seconds/mile, but I was cruising at a much quicker pace. I ended up covering all 8 miles in 1 hour 25 minutes, which was a 10:30 pace (and that even included my half mile walking warm-up). Is that speedy? No, of course not. However, I felt awesome and could have easily covered another couple of miles without any problems. Who am I?!
.JPG) |
| Since when does Tals pose for photos like this?! |
I have no explanation for why this run felt so good or was so easy, but I am seriously considering the possibility that my Crossfit training is doing wonders for strengthening my legs. That is really the only habit I’ve changed, so as of now, I’m crediting this fantastic run to Big Horn Crossfit. And in all honesty, I don’t really care why it was so great…. I just hope that the pattern continues!
Reebok provided me with the tank free of charge. Opinions expressed are all my own.
24 Comments
I had a pretty perfect run last week when I set a 5k PR after my bf and I split lol. My #1 pet peeve of workout tops is when the ride up as well – that’s the first thing I always try to check for when trying new clothes on!
Drives me nuts! Oh, and shorts that ride up too? No bueno.
these runs are few and far between for me- but they do come!
yay i’m glad you had such a great run! Nothing feels better than that!
Yay for happy runs! I enjoyed using RLRF for my last marathon, but that would happen to me sometimes too-runs would be good and paces would be better than expected. The weather was beautiful here too. We took advantage of it as well.
Absolutely love those “perfect” runs. Makes everything worth it.
I love perfect runs! usually when those happen it’s the same mix of things you mentioned – I dressed right, the sun is shinning, it’s always a long run and the miles fly by 😀
YAY!! glad you had such a great run and that even Tals was feeling it and posing for shots lol
The feeling one gets after a perfect run its awesome and I am so checking out the earbuds because I have gone through 4 pairs of earphones because they keep coming out. Thanks for the tip!
These somehow “lock” into your ear which sounded like a gimmick until I tried them. Definitely a fan!!
So glad you had such a great run. I have been having so many of those lately, I am blaming it on the fall weather and the reduced mileage this fall. Love those bright shoes!
Yes, I think it’s safe to say cross fit or other leg strengthening makes running easier. Yay for a great run!
I too have pink running shoes, they def help with a perfect run!
I want a run like that! haha Hopefully soon. I had a good one this weekend, even though it was only 3 mi. 😉
That’s better than a no-miles good run…or something like that 🙂
yeahhh!! I’m not sure there is anything more satisfying to me than a run that just feels effortless, surrounded by beautiful nature
Awesome that you had such a great run! Love it when things all come together like that. One day I ran 10 miles in an hour and a half (admittedly there were a lot of down hills) and I only stopped because it was getting dark. I’ve never run that far or that fast since. Felt great!
Keep it up! Hope your future runs feel just as good!
Yay, glad it felt good! We need those for encouragement!
Sweet! So happy for you. A perfect run for me is one where I want MORE after I have reached the end of my planned distance.
I was tempted to go further just because I felt like I could, but I decided to stick to the schedule. No need to get all over-eager and hurt myself again!
The all important “perfect run.” Some of us go weeks, months, years without one of these. Congrats on it and may many more be in your future.
Hot looking shoes!
Aren’t they sassy? Love these shoes!
Hot looking shoes!
Those runs where everything just seems to come together are the best. Glad you got to experience one this weekend! We sell yurbuds at work and everyone loves them – never tried them myself though!