Look how far we've come

Tom and I had a great 10 miler today. It's funny what a great run consists of... it was sunny. It was warm. We were together. Really, what more can I ask for?

I was thinking though how far the two of us have come in terms of fitness. I played soccer from the time I was 4 until I was a sophomore in college. I didn't take up running until I was 23 and at that point, it was a sluggish jog at best. I thought for sure that I would die someday running, with the prospect of a half marathon looming 5 months away. 13.1 miles? That was crazy far. 10 minute miles - yikes, only if I pushed it really hard! Walk breaks were often, and it took every ounce of energy to muster my way through my workouts, each planned with the right amount of rest before to get me through it.

Fast forward to this week. I decided to go outside yesterday and run a familiar 6 mile route alone. I went out around 9:30 am. It was cool, the sun was popping through, I could hear the birds chirping. I was working, but felt great. I averaged 8:07's for the 6 miles. I probably could have gone sub 8's, but then I wouldn't have enjoyed the morning!

Then today. Tom and I putzed around with work and helping his mom out around her yard. Finally around 4:30 we decided to go for a run. Knocked out 10 windy and hilly miles home from her house without blinking an eye. About 2 miles from home, I laughed about how we used to "carb load" for a 10 mile run. I used to taper for a 10 mile run. I would always take the day before completely off. Here I am running them midweek without blinking an eye.

It's really amazing where I've come and what my body will do. I think that's one of the best things about the sport I've come to love.

Wonder will my body will take me tomorrow (**here's a hint... it's going to be nearly 80 degrees. There's a great little pizza joint about 30 miles away. Maybe Flicka will take me there**)