First Run of the Year, Longest Run Ever

Hi Friends,

I finished the longest run I have ever attempted on New Years Day. It was the 23.5 mile McLoop around Reno and Sparks on McCarran Blvd.  What a wonderful way to start the year!

I had been planning to run the loop for a couple months. Actually I had told myself that I was going to run this route a couple months back, but talked myself out of it.  So I was determined to overcome my ability to talk myself out of things and make it this time. To say I was excited about this run was an understatement. I had gone thru a mental checklist of all the things I thought I would need on race day. I even had my clothes laid out the night before just so I would not run off and forget anything.  I even got a fuel belt and some power gels to get me recharged during the run.

When I got up on Tuesday it was really cold, near zero and there was still snow and ice in our yard at home. I got dressed, laced up my shoes and headed to Shelly Park in Sparks to see just how much run I had in me. I was sure in my mind that I could complete the whole 23.5 miles but needed to prove that I could follow through and actually finish.  Just as at home the sidewalks and sides of the road were still covered with some snow and ice. I started the day by starting my Garmin and falling flat on my left leg and hand. Way to go Don! I got up, considered just going home and decided to dust myself off and head out.

The miles seemed to really fly by and I was able to take in the first sunrise of the new year as I neared the university campus. What a sight and it encouraged me to continue to the hills in Northwest Reno. As far as the hills go, they slowed me down some but did not kick my butt as I expected they might. Actually they went quickly and I felt great as I came out of the hills near lakeside Drive. I had made it past the biggest challenge I thought I would have to tackle.  From here it was mostly flat and relatively clear sailing.

My next challenge was the long flat straight stretch after about mile 18. It was really monotonous and seemed to just drag on.  I learned that I need to have something in my mental toolbox to help get me through these times. Maybe it will be music on an iPod or it could be something that I tell myself like a mantra or positive self talk. I am sure I will figure it out by the next long run. I was able to get past this section by reminding myself that I do this run everyday and it was easy, just another 6 miles ... just another 4 miles ... just like you do every day.

I finished at Shelly Park in 5 hours and 13 minutes. It was great to finish and then receive my medal for finishing. I also got a coolio sticker for the truck so everyone will know that I ran all 23.5 miles. I really appreciated the folks from Reno Running and Fitness for letting me run with them. They were an amazing group of people and so much fun to run with. Actually, I was worried that I would be so much slower than they were that I left 30 minutes early so I could finish with them. As it turned out they were just having fun and I probably could have run with them anyway.

So I have already checked off my first goal of the new year and what a way to start. next on my big goals is the Eugene Marathon in April. I learned a lot from this run that I can use to do better in Eugene. For one thing I found out it is better not to fall on your ass before you even begin. As I write this I have really no soreness from the run except for the damage I did when I fell. I do have soreness in my left heel, but will be able to eliminate that by working on my running form.

Now, on towards the Eugene Marathon!

As you know I am running to help fight blood cancer in the Eugene Marathon this year. Why not help me out with a small contribution? Anything helps research, so a donation of $5.00 will make a big difference. Donate more if you can, too much is better than not enough. Thanks a bunch!

Special thanks go to my amazing wife Brenda. Her support was super and helped me keep going.

Don