While running with Theodora is always fun, sometimes it’s great to get out and enjoy the fresh air alone. It allows for day dreaming, random running paths that are chosen at a moment’s desire, and singing along to a great playlist.
Even though I enjoyed my normal pre-run breakfast at 9am, I didn’t make it out the door until past 10!
The next hour was spent cleaning, debating what to wear, and organizing the house.
Since the weather was sunny but still a tad cool (41 degrees) when I started I opted for the following outfit:
- Champion Sports Bra
- ING Marathon Aasics long sleeve technical t-shirt
- ING Marathon windbreaker
- Lululemon crop pants
- Lululemon headband
It was the perfect outfit until around mile 8 when the sunshine was out and the temperature had reached almost 50 degrees!
I left the house with one goal in mind: stay as close as possible to my half marathon goal pace for the entire run.
It was absolutely gorgeous out as you can tell from some of today’s pictures! I was definitely all smiles for the first five miles of the run!
Seeing the view above reminded me of the last mile of the marathon! 
By the time I reached the resevoir my legs were screaming at me. 
I didn’t realize my upper hamstring/glutes were so tight. I suppose that is what a return to spinning will do! I took a 5 minute break for fuel, water, and a few downward dogs.
I left the park around mile 8.5, ready for a quick run DOWN Murray Hill and midtown. But, before I could escape the park area I had to capture a few more pictures of the crazy things one sees when visiting the park. 
The daffodils have broken ground which means Spring has arrived! Between my allergies, the number of people in the park today, the green grass, and birds it is clear that Spring has arrived in New York City!
Since my last mile was my fastest of the day, the run home felt like nothing! But, I did spend the last few minutes dreaming of a massage, a much needed yoga class, and cleaning my Camel Bak. Oh yes, you read that right, I haven’t cleaned my Camel Bak with anything stronger than water since I bought it back in July.
10.18 miles done in 1:43! If I can keep this pace in the half, I’ll be able to reach my goal!
But, after stretching, that was the first thing on my to-do list! I bought this cleaning kit from Amazon and was very pleased with it! The dark gunk quickly dissolved and my CamelBak is now fresh and clean!
After the cleaning session, my stomach was growling. I finally enjoyed one of Caitlin’s amazing grilled banana sandwiches!
After a quick shower I’m heading to the grocery store to buy the ingredients for tomorrow’s brunch! I have a lot to do this afternoon so I better get moving in fast gear!
Good for you for rockin’ your run solo! 🙂 All of your pictures make me miss NY in the worst way and wish I was not in NC… eventhough it IS warmer down here..
Great run Ash!
Oh and thanks for reminding me of work with that photo. 😉 Oh well, at least I LOVE training there.
hooray for your great solo long run! 🙂 you make me want to go outside and run right now (despite the fact that it’s 9pm and there’s no sidewalk on my fiance’s road….)!
I love solo runs – it can be relaxing to just be alone with your own thoughts for while. And those grilled bananas look amazing! 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed a nice solo run, the weather was perfect for it yesterday!
I am so so sorry but, unfortunately, I will be unable to attend your brunch today:( Yesterday I didn’t end up getting out of work until 1pm and today I’ll probably have to stay until later.It’s a shame since I work so close to your apartment! I hope you have a great time, though, and thank you so much for inviting me:)
Nice run! It was so beautiful out yesterday — glad you got to take advantage of the spring weather with a long run!
It sounds like a perfect day for a run! It’s only 32 here right now, and I’m hoping it warms up just a little bit before I head out for the day… Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Great job on the run! It’s so awesome to rock them at a good pace. =D
I really need to try that banana sandwich…my husband loathes bananas, so it’d have to be a meal for one, haha.
Sounds like my 10 miler from friday! A great run in beautiful weather!