Even though I took today off work, I still woke up at 5:55. Getting out of bed wasn’t easy but as soon as I saw specks of blue sky waking up became far easier.

It’s rained so much in Geneva this week that I figured I’d be doing my long run in the rain this morning. In fact, when organizing my gear last night I included a visor and my running raincoat in the pile. As I didn’t have to be at work this morning, I took my time getting ready. I treated the morning much like a race morning. I sipped my coffee and ate my peanut butter and banana before getting ready.

By 7 o’clock, I was out the door, without my raincoat, excited to spend the next 2 hours running along the lake.

I have started getting a bit bored with my regular route so I changed things up today, heading further north along the lake than normal. I only had the lake on my side for half the run but for three of the middle miles I weaved through small towns, sunflower fields and vineyards.

This route was a nice diversion and added a few hills to my normally flat, long run. My lake route has spoiled me with the multiple water fountains. I underestimated my water need since the temperature was only 65. But, due to the 90% humidity, I was sweating immediately and finished my water after just a few miles. There were no water fountains past the second mile and, unfortunately, many of the local bakeries and cafes I passed refused to give me water or let me use the bathroom. I am going to leave some money in my Spibelt from now on so I can buy water in the future.

At the half way point I stopped to take a few pictures and try a new to me Gu flavor, Salted Caramel. I have tried using natural food like dates and apricots for fuel but have found that my body is craving something a bit more substantial during long runs. Even though, this Gu had caffeine it didn’t upset my stomach and the flavor was delicious. In fact, I felt like I was eating candy!  If you tend not to like most Gu flavors I highly recommend this flavor! I like it better than my old standby, Vanilla frosting.

I was perfectly in the zone,  with just four miles left in my run, when a sudden, wet surprise snapped me back to reality. After 8 years of running a bird, finally pooped on me. I’m not sure why they say it’s good luck to be pooped on by a bird because it felt like anything but this morning. Of course, I didn’t have any paper with me so instead I resorted to cleaning my hand and water bottle with a few leaves. As soon as it happened I couldn’t stop laughing. While laughter isn’t how most people would react to this I couldn’t help myself. For years, I’ve often found myself thinking that I am surprised I don’t hear more runners get targeted by birds during long runs.

This run didn’t feel easy, but I’m proud of my pace especially since I changed things up a bit and added a few more hills. My pace for the 14 miles was 9:55, perfectly on target for my marathon goals.

The next time I head out for a long run it’ll be back on American soil in Savannah, Georgia since next weekend’s long run is replaced by my triathlon! 

Have you ever been pooped on by a bird?