Ok, title of thread is to remind me WHY I do this. I need to find the "JOY" of running again. This is normal with training (for me)...gotta do the miles, gotta do the work-out, etc.

Sunday was my longest run ever! 16 miles. On the happy side: I DID IT.
So I headed out at 8 AM, 70+ degrees, 100% humidity, foggy with visibility of a couple of 100 yards. I gave my self permission to take this one slow. Didn't feel bad. Had a few moments when my pace picked up. It was warm, muggy, UGH! Mile 10 seems to be my "wall" lately. That is when pace really slowed down. The mind and body wanted to walk. I then started having way more walk breaks. Even though I said "at mile 12 I'll walk"...it felt to a walk even sooner. At mile 12-ish I was turning around and heading home (loop brings me back to a stretch to get home quicker that all my "add on loops"). So that give me a little lift. Still was hard to keep a steady pace. I dug deep the last mile or so. I felt like I was moving in slow motion. It was sunny and 80 degrees by then.

So my optimistic side is: I DID 16 miles.
My evaluation of the run is: took me too darn long 3 hours 3 minutes. (however that was in line w/ the 1 - 2 min off "race pace" for the LSD run).
I think I fueled ok. Need to switch to 4 bottle fuel belt so gf does not have to bring me more hydration. Had foot/toe pain mile 7-ish. Again worked thru it. Just need to find more energy and speed.
Ok--optimistic side--I DID 16 miles, my longest run ever in warm, muggy conditions. So I could be faster if weather was nice (right?).

After run I sat in the cool pool. Then ate some yummy banana bread gf made. Put on my compression sleeves, propped up feet, watched end of a movie I saw before and then napped a bit. So I took much more rest time after this run. My feet ached and really didnt' like walking on them. I have a blister on side of my big toe---first blister in AGES! But all and all OK.
Today I am a bit sore, glutes and hammies, little calf tightness...but walking normal! Today is rest day so that is what I will do.

I am re-examining my training plan. I knew this was agressive. I thought more running would help build my endurance. But I think I am not doing quality. Speed work and true tempo runs started in the next couple of weeks. I may drop down to running 4 out of 7...just need to see.

Happy Monday!
K