Slow Long Run

Well, I finally broke the 7 mile barrier last night.  I did 7.25 miles.  I didn't even have a goal when I set out on my 1 hour 9 minute journey.  Initially, I thought I might run 5 miles, which is 2 laps around Lake Ivanhoe.  I ran into too many little bugs that kept sticking to my face and they are gross when they keep flying into your mouth.  It makes for a really annoying run.

I decided to venture away from the lake and just keep a nice easy pace.  I didn't push myself at any point during the entire run.  The only thing that I tried to work on was my breathing exercises about once per mile.  What I did was consciously inhale and expand my diaphragm down and pushed my belly out.  I've always heard that this will help with side stitches, so why not work on it.

It was a nice evening run.  I waited until the sun went down before I started just to make sure it would be as cool as possible.  It was humid as usual and the temperature was in the high 80's.

Oh, yeah.  I forgot to mention that I was trying out a new pair of running shorts and socks.  The shorts were standard seamless New Balance.  They worked great.  Light weight and completely unobtrusive.  I didn't make note of the exact type.  The socks were great, too.  They were called Hidden Comfort by Balega.  Easily the best socks I have purchased in some time.  They were 9 bucks, but worth every penny.

Balega Hidden Comfort socks

I have to admit that the reason I felt able to run longer was due to the comfort of these new socks.  I think I am going to get at least one more pair... maybe two.  I will have to see how they feel during speed work.  I have been tempted to get a pair trainer flats for the track lately.  I was eyeballing a few at Track Shack yesterday, but didn't make the next step of trying any of them.