Good long run and good clean fun.

Yesterday I  had a good long run.  It wasn't great one -- great is reserved for those long runs that are so fun, scenic, tough, and full of positive energy that they drive and fuel themselves and I am just along for the ride.  A good long run takes some work, some motivation, and has ups and downs, but is ultimately a good experience.  Here's what I liked about this run: First, I had a wonderful running partner (thanks, Jackie!) which made it easier to get motivated and more fun.  Second, the run had a classic pattern of effort and fatigue that makes finishing so rewarding: it took a few miles to warm up and get into it;  the first 8-10 miles felt good and, if not effortless, at least easy and pain-free; the last third was quite challenging and required some pushing; and finally in the last 2-3 miles I loosened up, relaxed, and felt like, if needed, I could turn the afterburners on and keep going.  Not exactly hitting and climbing "the wall" but perhaps a miniature wall with a true second wind at the end.  Third, the course and conditions were varied, with some high-traffic roads (for Vermont, that is), some pleasant bike paths, and a little bit of rain and sleet mixed in.  Finally I feel great today, something that I take as a positive training indicator.

This morning was nice, for a different reason.  We took the kids to the YMCA open family gym, and let Cadien and Rowan climb around and play with the ~50 other kids that were there.  We saw some friends, hung out with each other and the baby, and in general had a great time.  There's something wonderful about watching children play in such a free setting, probably a combination of their energy, curiousity, and fun.  Anyway I'm a lucky man to be able to have a morning like yesterday (running) followed by a morning like today (great family time).  Balance does come occasionally!

Yesterday: Ran 18 miles / 2:54 (~9:40 pace)
Today: PT back exercises; yoga/stretching