Running: Sunday, August 9

As promised, I ran my seven miles today (81 to go for the month). I may be delirious, but I think it actually felt good. I didn't take any breaks along the way, and at the end I felt like I could go farther. It wasn't a fast run my any means, but I felt strong and kept a steady pace. This is the farthest and longest I have ever run!

I think that today I also broke a psychological barrier. As I wrote about yesterday, I was really nervous about going so far. I wasn't sure if I could do it and I had visions of being far away from my apartment, hurt, limping home. That really wasn't the case at all, and I think moving forward I can build on this.

A few notes about the run:

• we are definitely at the point where I need to think about mid-run nutrition; I felt good during the run, but I could tell my overall energy level was waning
• the outer part of my right knee hurt during my cool down after I stopped running; feels fine now (it's been about 25 minutes including stretching time)
• my back is still bothering me; it felt tight during the run and I have a feeling it is going to be tight and sore later today/tomorrow
• Cross-training: focus this week will be on strengthening my core and on my glutes/hamstrings so I can be stronger on the hills