18, and aches

Today was our 18 mile run at White Rock Lake. We all started out in good spirits; the weather forecast was somewhat pleasant, with temperatures in the 50's, a not-so-horrible wind factor and sunny skies. And it started out that way--but that's not what we ended up getting.

We decided that since the lake is roughly 9 miles around, we would simply run it twice. I'm sure that would have been a great idea any other day...but by the time we were on our second time around, we were all starting to suffer a bit. The temperature had dropped, and we were sure that with the wind chill, it was much less than in the 50's. The sun had gone behind the clouds about 4 miles in and never come out. David and I weren't wearing nearly enough clothing. Then there was the wind, around 15 to 20 mph--and it sure did feel as though it picked up some speed coming off the lake. Combine the gross weather with the achy joints it induces, and you have a nice little pity-party. Luckily, we're all pretty upbeat people, even when we're grumpy, so the run went okay, and we all finished. David did end up walking mile 18, though, due to a bad cramp in the bottom of his foot that worries me. Hopefully if he rests it up this week, it will be okay for next week's 19 mile run. Ashley said that her foot was really hurting her after today's run as well. I seem to be the only one with no serious injury yet (knock on wood), just the usual randomly achy joints, blisters, and tight muscles.

But despite the difficult run, we all agree that finishing it makes us feel stronger. And, of course, there's always the food reward: David and I indulged in a couple of large sandwiches with French bread, ham and turkey, provolone and cheddar cheeses, avocado, pickles, tomatoes, etc. I have also eaten a couple of servings of Valentine's Day candy and watched a chick flick, so my evening has been very nice. Now if my knees would just cooperate when I walk across the room...