10 faster miles and a sore hip

I mentioned on Friday night, that my new running partner Bob had a 10 mile running workout planned. I was nervous, but since he is such an awesome "coach" he made it mostly painless.

I set my alarm so I could be up by 5:30 since Bob was picking me up at 5:45. I woke up at 5:11 and decided to just get up. I took my time getting dressed, ate a Luna bar, filled my water, fed the dog (who got fed an extra breakfast since my husband did not see the note: Dolce ate breakfast), and checked email.

Right on time, Bob arrived and we were off. We were heading to the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda, MD for a change of scenery.  Our goal was to run the last 2-3 miles faster than the first ones. We headed down the trail and after the first mile realized we would be running about 10 minute miles. I hoped that I would be able to run the last ones faster. We made it to Fletcher's Boat House in DC, walked around a little to look around and then turned around.

Something strange was happening to my left hip. Not sure if it was the IT band or something else. I had really concentrated on my posture (with Bob's gentle reminders) and using my hips to run more, but it felt strange. We stopped another time and Bob showed me a hip stretched. And then he said, "Now on the last bridge, give it all you got."

The problem was that I thought the second to the last bridge was the last one and I took off. My last mile was like 9:05. I think I just wanted to finish so the pain would stop in my hip. And as always, Bob had a EAS protein drink for me (I finally found some at Target to replenish his stash) and cold watermelon. It was nice. Since all my readers want to meet my partner, I convinced him to let me take a picture of him... yes, he is a little camera shy. He is in great shape and his last mile was something like 9:15. I joked that he was going to take me further than I ever have been and I would try to make him faster.

We stretched, talked a little and headed home. I walked in the door at 9:02. Nothing like getting out and running miles early. Good thing we did because around 8am, the trail was busy with bikes, walkers, and runners alike. I kind a like that we are alone when we start earlier.

And to return the favor, Bob took a picture of my hot, sweaty mess. I ran without my visor and it was fine. Just had my curls tames in clips. Most of the time I forgot I was even wearing the clips. This shot is of course after I drenched my body with water. I am squinting because I did not wear my sun glasses either because the trail is very well shaded.

I spent the rest of the day with my family at the pool, then with my children at a HOA ice cream social & concert and at Target.

This morning, my hip is really sore. I have stretched it and I am trying not to limp. I need to research what muscle I have irritated so I can be ready to run tomorrow.

How did your long run go yesterday? I know some of you have races today: 1/2 marathons, marathons, and even a Tri. Praying for you to have a good run (bike and swim) and for you to be injury free.