19?

Been there! Done that!

This past Saturday I ran 19 miles! The longest distance I have run in my life!

My plan was to get up at 4:45 am, drive to downtown Panama City, and run from the Panama City Marina through an area called The Cove. The Cove is a nice neighborhood that hugs the coastline of the Panama City Bay. It's shaded by large trees draped in Spanish moss. The houses can be huge with beautiful landscaping. Every now and then I get a view of some pretty large boats and a breeze from the water. It's a perfect place to run!

Before I started my run, I was really nervous. I had gotten blisters on the back of both heels during one of my weekly runs. So much for expensive new shoes! After doctoring up both feet with 2nd Skin and athletic tape, my full belief in the product was reinforced! 2nd Skin is the perfect cure for blisters or sore spots! My feet didn't hurt a bit!

The weather was also a topic of concern. It had been in the upper 80's and raining off and on all week. The week before my run was cut short by a torrential downpour! If I didn't finish this run once I had started, I don't know that I would complete it later! It ended up being in the low 80's and sunny. I can handle that.

Finally, I was worried that I would stop running after the first 15 miles. My route brought me right by the car at mile 15. After running that long, it would be so tempting to just climb in the driver's seat, head home, shower, and sleep the day away. So, my loving and supportive husband met me. He ran that last 4 miles with me, encouraging me all the way. I have done 95% of my runs on my own and all of my long runs have been alone. Though it is nice to get lost in my thoughts, running just 4 miles with Mike makes me realize how nice it is to have a running partner!! I am very grateful to have Jenny to run the real deal with.

Finally, after finishing 19 miles, I climbed into the car, drove home, and collapsed on the floor. Rusty was there to congratulate me! The day was complete with a shower, a few Alieve, and 4 hour nap!!

Now just think, after running 19 miles, what's another 7?! We can totally run a marathon!!