The Perfect Run

The perfect run. How often does one actually get to use that phrase? In my world, not very frequently!

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?

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!

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!

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?!

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.