09/11/11: Wabash Trace

Sis and I got together this morning to participate in our own momentous run.

For her, it was her first double digit run since she's taken up running as a sport/hobby/obsession.

For me, it was my first double digit run since the Lincoln Half in May.

We were going to meet up at 9:00 am at the Wabash Trace trail head just outside Council Bluffs. I arrived a little early, as traffic wasn't as bad as I was expecting.

Although, it was a Sunday morning, I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting. I think I just wanted to give myself plenty of time to get there, as I wasn't exactly sure where the trail head was.

Because I had 30 minutes to waste before she got there, I decided to do a little pre-run stretching.

Yes, yes....I've had SOOO many people tell me that stretching before a run doesn't do much but create a situation where you can actually harm yourself, rather than helping things out. But, after my run on Wednesday (which I DID NOT post about - I had resigned myself to quit running forever after I hobbled back to my car - if that tells you anything)....I was feeling desperate.

I did as many of the usual runner's stretches that I could think of....trying to make them as non "static" as I could. Also, because I had plenty of time, I resorted to doing a little pre-run yoga in the parking lot.

Oh yeah, I'm sure there were people wondering what the h*ll I was doing....but, as I said before (and I'm sure I'll say again), I'm desperate to find something that will allow me to run again.

She got there right at 9:00, we strapped on our hydration belts, and took off down the trail.

Well...we walked down the trail for a little first. About 3/4 of a mile to be exact. :-)

But, we eventually got under way.



















The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a 62 mile railroad turned multi-use trail that goes from Council Bluffs, IA...through quite a few small towns along the way...ending just to the north of Blanchard, IA (population 61).

The run was great!!!! Yes, it kicked my butt. But in a good way. In a "holy cow, it's been a million years since I've run this far....and with no pain in my legs to boot!"

Yep, you heard me. The Nej "Leg Pain Saga" continues.

I don't know if it was the pre-run yoga, or just the craziness that IS my leg injury.....but I went the 10 miles without the infuriating pain.

Oh, don't get me wrong, the run hurt. But it hurt in my legs, my leg calves, my quads, my abs, my lungs.....all the places it's supposed to "hurt."

A good run.

Here is my milk chocolate truffle from The Chocolate Garden. A little post run celebration, so to speak.

If you are ever near Coloma, MI....or heck, even if you aren't (they'll ship them to you).....stop in. They are amazing!!!!!!!!!

So, there you have it. A good run, a good dessert. And now I'm going to be a lazy bum and lay on the couch all afternoon. Well....as soon as I can take back control of the tv from Mot, that is. :-)


Oh, and happy birthday Dad and Karen (MIL). Love you both!!!!!!

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10.01 miles, 2:06.42, (first half uphill, second half back down), 12:39 overall average pace, running Inny's 1:1 intervals, 181 max HR, 162 avg HR, 1106 calories burned