Just get home, just get home.

My mantra of the day to get me through my first ever 18 miles was "just get home." Today's run was started with a 3mile round trip route and then we headed onto the trails for a 9mile round trip route, and then went out on the trails again to do a 6mile round trip route. Originally it was supposed to be 3 then 6 then 9, but I asked Sarah if she would want to do 3, 9, 6 so that mentally it would be easier to get through it. If the last trip is shorter it is easier on the mind to say to yourself, its only part of the route, you can do it.

Sarah agreed and apparently a lot of others had the same thought because they were doing the same thing. There were lots of good hills and I did well on them so I feel like I am ready for whatever San Fran throws at me. The first two routes were great. Sarah and I chatted about my engagement and we shared proposal stories and wedding ideas and it really helped the time pass. We were both feeling really good.

Unfortunately, on the last route out both my mind and body were working against me. My body was sore and aching so I had to keep my mind focused but my mind kept trying to tell me to give up. I realized that no matter what, I couldn't get home without getting back to my car, so in order to get myself to keep going I just kept saying to myself, just get home. I started to cramp so I slowed down and was a few paces behind Sarah but I finished in under 4 hours and ran the whole time and I was incredibly proud of myself!

I went straight home and got in an ice bath and it went smoothly this time! I went back down to one bag and wore socks. My feet were a little numb at the end of the 20 minutes, but I lasted the whole 20 minutes and talked to Leah (and Josh) through it to make the time go faster. After I got out of the ice bath I decided to go down to the pool. It was magnificent, just what I needed and deserved. Now for the rest of the day!

Sarah and I are boot blocking tomorrow. Please come give us all your spare change!! Thanks for all your support!