Long run and first in-person running event (in awhile)

I did a "long run" yesterday of 6.5 miles (plus another mile walking). It's not exactly long, but is possibly the longest I've run outdoors without stopping all year. I'll take it. To top things off, it actually felt really good!

I did the first 5k in 31:30, and hit 6 miles at 1:01 exactly. Again, not stellar numbers, even by my standards, but they mark significant improvement over what I've been doing lately. My breathing was good too - which is maybe the best part.

Around 5.5 miles I even had a few seconds of a "high" going. I forgot I was running and was barely breathing, it was almost like floating. It was brief, but it's been a long time since I've felt that.

I'm going to attribute at least part of this improvement to reading just the first chapter of 'ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless Injury-Free Running.' I picked up this book for vacation but just got around to starting it. Right away it reminded me of some form issues I'd forgotten (straight spine, pelvic movement, running like a child, etc.). 

Anyway, I'm pumped for the rest of the book!

FATHER'S DAY 5K

This morning we ran in our first in-person event since October 2019. The Associated Churches puts on a Father's Day 5k every year (I think this was the 6th), and they do a really great job for a smallish number of people. I'd guess there were maybe 150.

It ended up being a beautiful morning after a rain scare early. We ran a 32-something, which surprised me because I didn't think we were even going that fast. It was pretty humid, I was somewhat sore after yesterday, and we both had too much to drink last night (Ribfest is back!). 

It's been so long since we've done this that we forgot to get our traditional pic at the starting line. We took this selfie well afterward. Fortunately daughter Carrie snapped the pic at the top when we were coming into the finish line.

 

It was a fun morning, and we were glad to see Carrie and Anna there to cheer us on. Afterward we took Anna for breakfast - mostly as a treat to ourselves though! :)

So, it's been a good couple days...

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“For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” - Psalm 63:6-7