A heated long easy run

While the Disney Marathon drew 24,000 (including 4:49 Rachel; Good job!!) the Cady Way Trail drew me. I had to put on some miles and I knew it wasn't going to be easy. First of all it was a balmy 70+ degrees and all I could think of was sliding over to the beach for some solar massage. As late as I got up I almost succumbed to the temptation. I had not planned my morning run very well. I started by having a half banana to compensate for the lack of proper fueling the night before (an NBA game, hot dog and beer). Then I dressed as if I'd run if I had to. Then I put on my HRM watch and knew I'd better go now or never. I drove to the Trail and started my run at 1000. It was toasty and sunny. I imagined I was jogging on the beach. Distant highway traffic stood in as the sound of waves. There was no breeze.
I packed a plain Gu gel pack for emergencies. At mile 2 I was thinking I might need that boost earlier than the 40 minute mark I targeted. At 25 minutes I could tell I was going to be dragging if I didn't stoke up so ... riiiiiip. Now I'm moving. I used the HRM to track my rates and times at the mile markers along the trail. I stayed safely below my max nearly the whole way. I stopped about 4 times for water and more Gu gel. Yea for me - I managed to run it all the way back to the trail head where I started (it was an out and back 7 miles). I took 1:09 which is slow. Who cares. I missed the easy run between the speed work and the long run so I was okay with it.
Today I signed up for Race 1 in my triple header schedule through February (5K-15K-10K & steak). Therefore - all is well.
Carry on.