Good morning from the Sunshine State! After a very long travel day on Friday, SL and I finally made it to Florida. Saturday was a total washout so my long run had to wait until Sunday morning. I have been sort of dreading this run for a couple of reasons; 1) It was my first long training run without Mugsy and 2) Central Florida is HOT this time of year…hot and humid.

Thanks to the never ending New England winter, I have not had to deal with a hot run and luckily, Sunday morning’s weather was not as hot as it was scheduled to be. I woke up at 6:45 and threw on my shorts and tank top. This was a long-run first for me as I have had to bundle up on my long runs at home. The temperature was a perfect 64 degrees as I finally set out.

Mile 1 – 9:19

Mile 2 – 9:15

Mile 3 – 9:10

I opted for an out and back route for this run mostly because I was unfamiliar with the area and did not want to get lost. Normally I am a fan of loop courses because I feel like with out and back runs I get really bored as I turn back. This was exactly what happened to me on this run. I also think not having a running partner slowed me down a bit as well.

Mile 4 – 9:14

Mile 5 – 9:37

Mile 6 – 9:55

It was around this point I saw a bunny! I actually saw another one right after a took a picture of this guy.

By this point my out and back course got a little messed up as I took a turn to add more mileage and got a little lost. This completely defeats to the purpose of an out an back course in the first place. Ugh…slow down city.

Mile 7 – 10:42

Mile 8 – 10:22

This was by no means my fastest run but I felt proud of myself for finishing 8 miles by myself. I also forgot to pack myself fuel which may or my not have contributed to the major slow down. In the end though, I still felt great and strong and hungry.

Breakfast of champions anyone? Hooray for free hotel breakfasts! I had 4 mini belgian waffles (made with one of those cool flippy hotel waffle makers), 2 hardboiled egg whites (SL had the other two) and an orange. Note pictured  – half of a Naked Green Machine juice and a gallon of coffee.

My training schedule for this week is up in the air due to vacation and travel. The JCC Triathlon by the Sea is less than a week away and I feel prepared so I am not going to stress about following my training plan to a tee. I am going to enjoy the last few days of vacation and do my best come Sunday!