Reunited (with My Long Runs) and It Feels So Good!

In honor of today's post, I've got to give you the true "Reunited and It Feels So Good" song.  It's well worth the 6 minutes and 14 seconds.  Go watch, and then return here after you're thoroughly mellowed out!

Today was my first "long run" since (I kid you not) July 8th.  Why do I have "long run" in quotes?  Well, opinions vary, but mine is that 6 miles really doesn't qualify as "long."  Had you asked me back in May or June or even July what a "long run" was, I'd have certainly said a minimum of 10 miles.  However, beggars (or, more accurately, those returning from an injury) can't be choosers; if the physical therapist says 6 miles is today's long run, so be it!

This 6 mile run, though, felt so good!  It was slow, as per the PT's instructions.  Long runs aren't about speed; they're about muscle endurance and getting your muscles to accept longer amounts of time over which they must work.  So today's run was just that: slow!  Don't believe me?  Check out a screen shot of my RunKeeper results.  A pace of 8:45 is slow!

Despite my psuedo-bitching, I have to admit that it felt so good to be out there!  It was probably the easiest 6 mile run I've ever done, but it was a great one to ease back into the game!