LONG RUN
I did my weekly long run yesterday. Sixteen miles, and it wasn't too bad. I intended to set out around 9:30 in the morning (after working 4:45-8), but it started pouring down rain just then. I waited until just before 11 and at least stayed dry. It began to warm up quite a bit before I was done at 2 pm though.
I'm still dealing with the nipple rash/infection. I wore a couple layers of bandages (rubber blister bandages covered by big ol' regular bandaids). I wore my tightest tank for a shirt, and it lasted about six miles until the rubber bandages started peeling off. I just took my shirt off and hid it under a bridge and ran the remaining ten miles with no shirt. I know it's not the prettiest sight (I'm not a big fan of fat old guys with no shirt), but it's either that or try not to sweat for a week or two. I don't think I can afford to take that long of a break.
Anyway, I averaged right at an 11-minute pace, which included only two miles that were above that (when refilling my water and eating a gel). Altogether it was 2 hours 56 minutes (3 minutes faster than the 15 miles last week). I was happy to not have to walk other than when taking a drink and downing a gel. I was also happy my shirt was still where I left it when I made the turn back up onto Lower Huntington Road to venture home.
SAMANTHA FISH
Last night we took in our first concert at the lovely Sweetwater Performance Pavilion. Our friends Tom & Kim drove down from Michigan and we saw Samantha Fish and band. They then spent the night at our house afterward (Tom & Kim, not Samantha & band). She/they were good. It was nice seeing someone at a little bigger venue than we're used to again.
I really liked the opening act Southern Avenue, out of Memphis. The singer was full of energy and had a voice to match, and their sound was soooooooo good. I would go see them again!
As for the Performance Pavilion, it was top notch, as you would expect from Sweetwater. Parking is free, it's easy in and easy out, there are food trucks, beer and wine, and nice air-conditioned restrooms. It's also very spacious with a covered top and sides that open up. And the sound was fantastic! It was loud, but not 'hurt your ears' loud. It helped that it was a perfect night with a nice breeze. I look forward to going back and seeing some other first-rate bands here.
So, in spite of it being a really long and stupid week, we had a pretty good Friday. It was nice to have guests, visit with old friends, see some great music, and I actually don't feel bad at all this morning after my weekly long run. Next week I get to take a step back to 12 miles on Friday, before doing 18 and 20 the two weeks after. I think the 20-mile long run week also includes 20 miles during the week. Ugh. At least after that I start the taper before the marathon. I am tentatively planning to run the Grand Rapids Marathon in October.
And... that's that.
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“Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”” -John 6:29
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