Today I had an AWESOME ten mile trail run. The wind was at my back for the last 5 miles, the birds were chirping, there wasn’t too much animal poop on the ground, and I was flying! After the run, I thought to myself, I could sure as shoot run another 40 miles! <–Ok not quite true. But it was still a great run. It also helped solidify some logistics decisions for me for my upcoming 50 mile race. One, I will be carrying my water bottles rather than using a hydration pack:

No, I won't carrying them both in one hand. I just needed my right to take the picture, silly.

I ran the whole 10 miles carrying these babies and by the end I barely noticed they were there. I’m sure it’ll get annoying after 50 miles, and I might drop one off mid-race, but we’ll see. I’ve been doing push-ups and although I don’t have arms like Madonna (nor do I want arms like that!!), I have been getting stronger.

Next, I’ve decided which shoes I’m going to wear:

I’ve worn Saucony Guides for 3 different models. This is their newest, the Guide 5. I had switched to minimal shoes for awhile, and I think the combination of no support/no cushioning/increase in mileage has caused knee pain. So the Guide 5 is a great compromise. It is by no means minimal, but it is lightweight and has a more natural drop (8mm) than “traditional running shoes”. Although I’ve enjoyed running in Vibram Five Fingers, and other minimal models, I know I can run long in these babies and am sure I’ll appreciate the cushioning after 30 miles on pavement. Now my only decision is whether or not to change shoes for the last 20 miles, which will be on trails. I’m guessing this decision will be made mid-race because I’m CRAZY like that.

So this is how happy I am after my run! Faaaar from cute, but not as ugly as when I’m pouting. One of these days I’ll have to take a normal picture to prove to you all I don’t always have a weird looking face.

How’d you all enjoy your Sunday??