The 18.5 Mile Long Run In Davenport.

18.5 miles is a lot.   Today was the only day this week where the temps were manageable.   So there was plenty of pressure to get a long run in...   Cheryl has been pretty focused on her Marathon Training this year, especially given that the last two years were a Marathon Bust!   But that means long runs during the winter.   And those have always been challenging. 

The predicted snow actually was present.  Granted, it was not as heavy or deep as one would expect or fear.   Instead, it lightly covered the trail with a fine powder that conveniently hid all of the icy spots.   There were crews out plowing the trail, which was nice.   But it still presented a challenge. 

The first 13 miles were fairly easy.   We had Music to pass the time and keep us motivated.   The wind was mostly to our backs and not very strong or gusty.   I would even say Cheryl maintained a consistent pace for the entire distance. 

But shortly after that,  the music bugged out.   ( battery lasting less than 2 hours?) and the aches and pains and annoyances of running "forever" began to pile up.  I actually figured we would complete 20 miles, but as we turned to face the wind again,  the wind had picked up.  ( It was predicted to get worse around 11 AM.)   Cheryl decided that 18.5 was enough, because she started to feel bad.   A combination of "strobe lights" and "tilting earth" syndrome.  With the cold wind, slippery, hidden ice, and  lack of music, I figured that was enough for me as well.   So.... only 18.5 miles. 

Like a train running out of steam....

Still....  18 miles is a LOT!  Especially for running in the snow.  I certainly feel it anytime we bike over 14 miles.  Stiff neck, sore knees and elbows and wrists.. It creeps up on you.   

There is bound to be nicer weather in the future, so we may try another long run then.   But for now...  Time to be a bum with the cats on the couch.  I figure we have earned it.  

Hope everyone is staying warm.   Temps drop again after today.  They said 32, but it stayed 27 all day today.   At least the snow was not as bad as it could have been.   Deep drifting snow is a pain to run and bike  in and makes training outside impossible. 

You might have noticed that the Zakoseks are missing.   That is because they are currently in Florida, enjoying Margareta's on the beach and working on their tans instead of running. Just think of all the cold weather training they are missing out on by drinking on the beach.  

Now, don't feel to bad for them.    I'm sure Mike will be able to run a little while he is there.   But he is missing out on "the struggle" of wind, snow, ice and cold.    Does all that struggle make Cheryl a better runner?  I think so.  But I will admit I'm slightly biassed when it comes to miserable training.   A call back to the Army days.  ("If the training is easy,  it is not effective!")  Good times!  

Thanks for stopping in.