Clever plans

If it weren't for Grasshopper pre-arranging a long run this weekend, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have bothered going on my own (I've become a bad solo runner, I think). It was flippin hot today. Not the worst I've ever run in (I think that honor may go to Kentucky last summer), but I was already sweating just sitting outside before the run even began around 10AM. Before we met up, Grasshopper cleverly hid a cache of goodies along the route, at what would be the 11K mark. I thought I was being clever for planning a 15K route that was mostly through the creek and valley, and that meant water fountains along the way. Uh, not so much. We passed two fountains and neither of them were in working condition. So. disappointed. And Parched. At least there was a washroom, and running water and I made sure to drench my head. There weren't many walking breaks, not til we got to the massively steep hill. There was never any intention to run up the hill but the not-so-direct route via stairs halted our momentum. I was dragging my feet a little bit, and thought the Dairy Queen looked especially enticing today. But we kept walking, and retrieved the cache of water and cereal bars, temporarily getting an extra sugar boost to carry us another 4K. This was my longest run since mid-May, right before I didn't get into the Marines Corps Marathon in DC.
After a good stretch and replenished with Gatorade, went to work in the kitchen because the best way to end a good long run is with good food. About a half hour later, we were on the back deck dining on my cleverest idea of the day: Belgian waffles (first time using this wedding gift, thank you American family), maple-flavored bacon, fresh strawberries and peaches, orange juice... and more Gatorade.