Going to California & Long Run Weekend

Before I tell you about my weekend, I wanted to let you know that I am now officially signed up for the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon!

 I have never traveled so far from home! The farthest I have ever been from the east coast was Gatlinburg, TN. So I am both excited and scared for this race! It will be just days after my 27th birthday and I will also be able to spend an entire week with my brother who lives just 15 minutes away from the start line. The only way that I would not be able to participate is health reasons. Keep your fingers crossed that my doctors appointment goes well in February! Pray for no surgeries!

Anyway, you may have noticed from my last post that I was caught up in logging lots of miles!

Let's start with Saturday!

I had planned an 18 miler and decided to make it interesting. In the past, I have only done my long runs on the road or on the canal, but this time, I decided to do both.

I started just outside my front door and took back roads to the canal, which was about 3.5 miles. I spent the next 7 on the C&O. Once I reached McMahon's Mill, I took the most direct route to my parent's house which was just about 8 miles.

It was actually a really good run. I was surprised how good I felt throughout the route. The only part that bothered me was the last 8. It wasn't due to energy levels, but the pavement had a severe slope, so one of my legs was positioned lower than the other. Yet, that happened to be where I ran at a faster pace. I guess I just wanted to get back to flatter ground again.

I arrived at my parent's house in just under 3 hours. My mom made me hot tea and then drove me home. Gotta love our moms!!! :)

I only suffered some slight pain in my hip, probably because of the road camber. It wasn't enough to deter me from running on Sunday.

I wasn't sure how far I was going to go. I thought it may have been more like 5 miles due to the hip issues. I didn't want to push it, but I was willing to give 10 a try. Although there was some nagging, I was able to get through 10 miles without a problem. In fact, I think it made my hip feel better to run on the soft trail. My original intention was to keep it slow, but I felt really good and was able to get some miles in under 9 minutes. I was not expecting that after an 18 miler the day before!

Today and tomorrow are rest days. I feel good enough to run, but I know my body needs rest after a 28 mile weekend so I will play it safe!

Anyway, that was my weekend! Tell me about yours?

What miles did you log this weekend?

Have you ever mixed trail runs with road runs?

Who's running with me in San Diego this coming May?