Weekly Long Run

So yesterday I headed out about 6:45 for a long run.  My intentions were to go for about 2:30 hours but not really stress about the time.  This was going to be a great opportunity to test out my new hydration pack from MEC.

With no real plans on where I was going to run I started out heading towards Musquodoboit Harbour.  Once I arrived there I decided that it was a nice cool morning with a little mist so a great opportunity to check out the trail while it would still be quiet.  Usually on the trail I might see one or two deer at a time, but this time I saw a group of five!  Ran up to the 2.5k mark and then turned around heading back towards town.  On the way up I had decided that I did not feel like listening to any music so I pulled my head phones out.  When heading back down the trail I ran into a couple and they asked me if I had lost a phone.  What?  Have you lost a phone?  Could be mine I thought.  The gentleman asked me what brand it was?  Of course being half winded already I didn't have the slightest clue.  Perhaps if I had a Galaxy or IPhone I would have remembered.  But I mentioned that I knew the phones number ID on it.  Sure enough it was my phone.

After that I tried out my first energy gel on a long run.  It was a Cliff Bar Chocolate shot.  Actually not bad.  Popped it back and headed on down the road.  Now I decided to take a little tour down West Petpeswick for a little morning stroll.  The fog was pretty thick but the temperature was great.  Headed down the road probably about four kilometers before turning back.

By this point I was getting a little hungry so I made a little quick stop at Dobbit's Bakery and had one of there absolutely fabulous spelt bars.  These are great for those out on a hike or if your stomach can handle it on a run.  Personally I am beginning to test my stomachs ability to eat food on the long runs for next year when I attempt my first 50 mile.

With the legs feeling good I ventured down the trail again.  I can never get enough of the Musquodoboit trail system.  If you haven't been there it is worth checking out.  Ran down to the bridge and at this point I was very excited to see good old Johnny on the spot and stopped by for a quick visit.

With time ticking down it was time to head on home.  Still the legs were moving well.  Sure a couple pit stops but realistic they weren't required but the did make the run more enjoyable.  When I got home I checked the clock it was 9:30.  Pretty happy with the fact I managed to work my long run now up to 2:45.  The best part is today my leg feels great.  I feel no lingering pains from my IT band.  Next week 3:15.