Last week’s training was a complete loss.  With recovering from a stomach bug for two days while still recovering from the Disney marathon, my training really suffered. 

Although Tiffany managed to fit in a long Sunday run yesterday, I decided to skip it.  A pre-game party on Saturday night mixed with the Super Bowl on Sunday didn’t leave much room for a long Sunday run for me.

I decided to get back into the groove for Gasparilla this morning.  I woke up at 5:00 a.m. and set off for a 14 mile run.  It’s been awhile since I’ve run in the early morning by myself.  I forgot how creepy it is.

During my early morning runs, I typically see the same runners, but the darkness and swiftness do not make it easy for conversations.  Since this morning run took a few hours, I noticed a familiar runner at the bus stop with her children.  A bit later, I passed her again walking her dog while her youngest daughter rode her bike. 

A friendly smile during the lit morning sky offered an opportunity for a quick chat.

“Wow.  You’re still running,”  she greeted me.

“Yeah, I’m missed my long Sunday run yesterday and trying to squeeze it in before my daughter leaves for school.”

“I am so excited to see a real runner!  I’m a desperately looking for a running partner.  I’m training for Gasparilla marathon.”

Since we share the Gasparilla goal, I gave her the details about our Sunday morning running ritual.  As far as I am concerned, anyone who thinks I am a “real” runner is welcome to join our Sunday running group.

As for my long run today, it was another pathetic attempt.  First, my Garmin didn’t register my first two miles.  There seemed to be a problem with the satellite connection.   

Then, about 10 miles, my left knee kept bothering me.  I found myself walking and stretching a lot just to make it through the run.  My average pace recorded was 11:36.  Total time 2:46:41.

Lots of yoga planned for tomorrow to help ease some of this knee pain.  Hopefully, I can still do my shorter runs this week.