Oh my heck. Today was hard. Probably the hardest run I've done. I didn't want to run alone and I was scheduled to run 14 miles. I kept looking for routes. I really wanted to avoid running up 1500 East - my BIG hill on the way home. Boy was I stupid.

On FB I read that a running club was doing a run from Soldier Hollow down the canyon. Cool. I could get my 14 miles in easy. I got up around 5:45 to get ready - I really didn't want to get up. I really wanted to stay in bed. Running with people I don't know in a place I've never run is soooo out of my comfort zone. I did it though. I got up. I got dressed. I got myself to the mouth of Provo Canyon. I got in the carpool and headed up the canyon. What the HECK was I thinking.

This group was the Sojourners Running Club, Hawk is the owner of Runner's Corner. The group was him, his wife, 2 daughters, 4 other women and 5 other guys, oh and me. They were all talking about pace and the races they had won. Me, I was hoping there was a bathroom at the trailhead - there was - I was way out of my league. What the HECK was I thinking?

I was pretty much alone the entire run. It was beautiful. The dam is huge and the water was awesome to watch as I ran. The entire route is hilly. Rolling, climbing hills. Brian called me around my half way mark. If he could have come and picked me up, I would have let him. The problem was I was in the middle of nowhere. No motorized vehicles allowed. Only me and the trail. I took a couple walking breaks, ate some chews, drank some water - kept pushing. Mentally I just kept pushing. There was only one way out and I was standing on them. Towards the end, I turned the corner and I could see the dam. What an awesome site! I knew I could finish. I was still 3 miles out but I had my goal in site. It was sweet.

I was supposed to do 14 miles, I ended up with 9. Nine long hard miles that are worth 14 flat road miles any day. I did it. I can do hard things. I did it!

Just a little cleanse information. Yesterday I just felt weak and crappy all day. Knowing that I had a long run today, I ended the cleanse. I had a peanut butter & honey sandwich on whole wheat bread, a banana, an apple, and some cheese. I just needed my body to be ready for today. I am starting it again. I am going to follow the guidelines. I will have a short run on Monday and I'll see how I feel.

Have a great weekend! Go out and accomplish something! Get out of your box!