We were camping at Lake Erie this weekend so I had to do my Saturday long run alone again. I wasn’t as anxious as the last time I went camping and had to do 26km by myself. I set my alarm for 5:30am, ate a PB&J sandwich and left at 6:15am. I just went and did it.

The first 5km is always the hardest. The thought of doing less than 30k crossed my mind. But then I started to take photos of the beauty around me and I started to say good morning to people enjoying breakfast on their front porch. That helped a lot to pass the time.

I ran along the lake for about 12km. Then the road became a country road going through farms and fields. There were barely any cars on the road which is why I was able to take this picture.

These cows weren’t that interested in my running.

There were lots of wind turbines which I think are so beautiful. It reminds me that our earth is precious and we need to do more to protect our resources.

I turned around at 15km and headed back the way I came. Going back was tough because it was getting hot, I was getting tired, and I ran out of water.

At the end of my run, my son said, “Mom, you don’t even look that tired!” That was surprisingly encouraging, especially coming from a 10 year old.

Despite not looking tired, I was pretty tired. I ran out of water so I drank water like a camel after I finished. I was surprised how much water I needed.

I’m glad I persevered and did the whole 30km. I’m even happy with my slow pace because I was pretty consistent from start to finish. I am feeling good about the full marathon which is happening in 1 month! I would just need to do another 12km. If nothing else, I know that the adrenaline and energy on race day will carry me the rest of the way! 😄

Nutrition log:

• Pre-run: PB&J
• Mid-run: water, Clif Bloks, sesame snaps
• Post-run: lots of water, banana, Clif bar
• Post post-run: Spinach, sausage and scrambled egg on an English muffin