So yesterday I went out on the course, running Brookline to Wellesley and tackling the  Heartbreak Hill area in Newton.  I got going around 8 am and even though by the end of the run, dare I say I was hot!, the morning was all about ice skating. I honestly have no idea how I didn’t fall. Everywhere was black ice and I wasn’t the only one struggling. 

The slick conditions definitely put a damper on my pace early on, but by the time of my turn around the ground felt a lot better and, to my surprise, so did my body! If you recall, I was having a hard time with 15 miles a few weeks ago. I’m happy to report that these 17 miles did not bring with them the same awful feelings mid run. (I didn’t once contemplate calling a cab!) Despite the morning ice, overall the route was much easier than a few weekends ago. It also really helped being on the course with so many others also out for their long training runs. Lastly, I made a pointed effort to pay attention to my mid run intake and kept to the “one Gu every 45 minutes” rule.   Oh yeah. I also got a high five by a man in a gorilla suit. Now that I think of it, I’m sure that was what made all the difference.