Yep, I did twelve miles of running this weekend. I mean, I did a 12-mile run yesterday morning. Yes, that's three times around City Park. It was very close to a Half Marathon (13.1 miles). It felt really good. I made it in 1:48 too. Not bad for my first time. And no, this is not an April Fools joke.

I think I have mentioned this before on my posts, but it is amazing what you can do when you put your mind to something.
I started off this week by telling myself I can do three times around the park. I ran Monday. Lifted on Tuesday. Ran on Wednesday and then basically took Thurs and Fri. off to relax. Saturday when I work up I realized, oops, I forgot my running gear at work - how's THAT for preparation? But I have an extra pair of shoes and clothes so that was not my big concern. My big concern was that my iPod shuffle was not here. SO, thank goodness I am such a thoughtful husband and had recently purchased a green shuffle for my wife. So I asked nicely and was able to upload my running playlist to her iPod and off I went.

I think the three things that are the biggest concern when attempting to plan a 12 mile run are:

1. What to eat before a run?
2. How much water/sports drink do I need to bring? ( my lovely wife got me a runner's Camelback last week).
3. Will I end up chaffing so badly that I have to stop? - OH, and four,
4. What if I have to pee?

These all were answered soon after I rounded the second lap of the park.
First, you have to figure out what works best for you eating-wise. I have found that a bowl of Autumn Harvest Kashi cereal, with 1/2 banana and blueberries and soymilk works best. I also have a Clif Gel 15 minutes before a run.

Then before I take off I also rub vaseline on my inner thighs and nipples. This run I did not chaffe but I wore down my nipple grease and could sure have used another glob. Word of wisdom runners, bring a vial of lip balm or other grease so you can have some on hand if this happens. A few weeks ago, I dressed in the dark and put on the wrong undershorts and OOH WEE did I end up with some bad bad chaffing.

Lastly, I did not have bathroom plans for the run but ended up seeing a porta potty that was right next to path which I was able to duck into and take a much-needed 1.5 minute pee break.

I had filled up the Camelbackw with 1/2 water and half sports drink which came in very handy. I did not feel half as exhausted this time, less in fact, than my normal 8 mile saturday runs, because of the sugar and water mixture.

I would love to hear from othe runners on their hints, procedures and also eating habits. Runner's World has a plethora of beneficial info on every aspect of running.

LASTLY, my knee usually just the right one, ends up very sore right around mile 8. Any knee strengthening suggestions would be helpful as well.

Happy running.

Saturday night we threw our Annual Christmas/Holiday/Birthday Party. It was loads of fun.
Last year's party was highlighted by my Caroler proposal . So this year I had to try and come up with something new for a surprise. So, Santa dropped by for a visit. I found him on Craigslist. If you need a Santa for a party or family visit, write me and I will refer you to him. It was fun. We did a Quizmas and gave away gifts to the right answerers. Lots of wine and beer, and an outdoor heated patio with lights. The night was gorgeous, in the mid 40's so it was comfortable to stand outside. I had 2 iPods going at the same time. One out on the patio through the rock speakers and one on the donut in the living room. We have so much wine leftover from our generous guests. Please feel free to come by for a glass, or two.

In running news, I upped the ante for my half marathon training and ran 8 miles. Up from the 6.6 I have been running for 2 weeks. That is 2 x around City Park and to my house. It was killer. The air was chilly but refreshing. I love to run when it is around 40 degrees because you get heated up but not uncomfortable even with a long sleeved wicking shirt. Just enough good old Hoobastank, Decemberists and Jimmy Eat World to haul me around the park. What really helped and if you are a semi-runner like myself, is that when the unexpected perfect song song comes on at just the right time. For me it was Carry the Zero by Built to Spill. It is not even a hardcore fast song, but it has sentimental meaning and just when I was rounding out 1/2 of the second lap, this song came on acting like a jet engine propelling me into the final stretch with ease. Happy Holidays.