It's been 6 months since my last long run

My favourite place to run!

10 kilometers!  That's how far I ran on my 'long run' this past weekend.  The first time I've been out for any reasonable distance since last September when I had 'The Incident'.  

I had a good run.  Let me re-state that:  I had a GREAT run!  Finally!  

I ran at my favourite time of day, early morning along one of my special routes:  the Hunber River.  That's a picture of the trees along the paved path that follows the river.  And even though it was early April I had the full winter running gear on.  Winter just does not seem to want to leave us in Toronto this year.

It wasn't a particularly fast fun but that wasn't the point.  Getting it done was the achievement.  Here are some of the thoughts that rambled through my head:

• "I did it".  An adaptation of the 'Just do it' slogan, I really wasn't confident I could actually run again. Silly thought I know...broken bones do mend.
• "My breathing has gone to hell".  I was fine until 'The Hill' at around the 6 km mark.  "Will this climb ever end...why am I so out of breath?".
• "Holy Crap...My quads hurt".  I have to re-train those big upper thigh muscles to run again.  
• "Love handles?...where did those come from?"  Thankfully it was still dark and I was wearing a jacket.  This jiggly stuff around my waist sure is't fun to carry along for 10K!
• "Mid-foot running".  Short strides, faster turnover, easier running.  Hey, I think I finally got the hang of mid-foot running.  

With that first long run under my belt I'm now looking forward to my first race on May 12 the Sporting Life 10K.  Straight down Yonge Street to the Lakeshore.  It's mostly downhill.  Gravity should compensate for my lack of speed.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

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I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.