Long Run in Mammoth

So today was Monday, which meant Long Run Day!!!I really seem to have a love-hate relationship with long runs. I hate starting them because its hard to convince your body that going to run for more than an hour and a half could be fun, but once I get out there, I really start to enjoy them, especially up here. So today I had to run for an hour and 35 minutes, or about 14 miles. We did this out and back course. Our coach marked the miles out 6 miles, then we just added on when we got back. The run is very challenging. Starting at about 7000 ft and working its way to about 8000 or so. There are also several very steep hills. Once I reached the 6 mile marker, I turned around and started heading back. By this time, I was really starting to feel good, and started to just cruise back. It turned out to be a really good run. Tiring, but good run. I was happy with it. I still can't get over the scenery I get to see while running out here. Many times during the runs when I start to hurt, I just take a look around and realize I am in the middle of nowhere. I feel so appreciative for what I have in life, and how happy I truly am about my life and excited about what the future holds. I completely forget about the current state of pain I'm in, and just become overwhelmed with excitement. I become excited about my training, and where my fitness is going, and also just excited about my life and everything and everyone in it. The runs up here really allow one to lose themselves, and not worry about anything. Your able to just get some great quiet thinking time in. Can't ask for anything more! Well I'm probably going to go take a nap now, because I am really tired after the run, but hope everyone back home is doing well. Today is the last day of our team camp. Most people are leaving tomorrow, and then ALTITUDE PROJECT starts Wednesday, so I am very excited about that! Two more weeks up here, then I will be back in the ATL. Talk to everyone later, and I hope you guys are all enjoying the blog.

-Jared