I did it!!! I am now officially a double digit runner!!!! [applause] My partner and I decided to try using hydration systems and fuel (GU, etc). We stopped/walked to "eat" and drink about mile 3.5 and mile 7. I was really tired the entire run. At about mile 7.5, I told her to run ahead because I was obviously slowing her down. I learned a lot on this run: 1) staying up late with my sister-in-law from out of town for 4 nights in a row takes its toll 2) my body prefers the BLOKS to the GUs 3) I should take at least 2 at a time, rather than 1 4) my partner must be sugar sensitive because as I was fantasizing about going to sleep on the trail, she was getting more and more perky from her BLOKS and energy drink. 5) I need to eat some fuel right before and right after my run because water isn't enough; I feel too exhausted to eat breakfast until I almost get sick 6) and last of all - I can do it!!!! ; ) I really felt awful for about an hour after my run, and then I started to perk up a little. But I've been tired and feeling "off" all day. All my joints feel great and my legs aren't even sore. But my body just feels low on ... whatever is necessary for normal life. ha! (Hey, check it out! Since my long run is on a Monday, I'm on page TWO of the mileage board. Sweeeet!) | 