Jeano's Box Cake Factory

Workout: 15 miles (!!), 10:19 average, Connects

Somehow, aided by optimism and a mercifully poor memory that forgot what 10+ miles feels like, I survived 15 miles today. Yep. That's the longest run that's happened 'round these parts in quite some time (by five miles!). Why did those schizo Hansons decide to jump from 10 to 15 miles? Search me, but I somehow managed to pull it off. Not only that, but I'd say it went rather well!

So, fuel. After staring blankly at REI's offerings for a full 10 minutes or so, I grabbed a bunch of things, largely at random. I was really hoping to find something salty/savory because after one run three weeks ago, I'm totally over sweet and sugary energy things. Unfortunately, REI seemed to have nothing but sweet and sugary, so I reluctantly chose things that seemed semi-edible.

[Side note: does anyone have suggestions for savory things? I know Logan went the chips route for a run last week, and while that sounds like something I'd usually be all over, it seems too ultra-y (aka out of my league). I'm looking for something that packages itself as running fuel and charges me a premium for something I could make in two seconds for a fraction of the price]

For the run itself, I opted for some sports beans (WHICH ARE ACTUALLY MADE BY JELLY BELLY. What?) and a Honey Stinger gel whose flavor was mysteriously called "Golden" (I correctly assumed this meant honey, unless they're all honey? Honey Stinger?). I gotta say, that honey gooeyness was pretty awesome. I'm kicking myself for not buying more, and for picking up two packs of margarita-flavored Shotbloks, which used to be my go-to but now make me want to vomit. Why don't you learn, Jeano?! If I can't find something savory, I'll probably go for those from now on.

Most of my run happened on familiar territory, 

but I took a turn into crazytown when I stumbled upon a road that wound through an airplane graveyard. Or, I guess, zoo, as they're all in operation.

This does a very poor job of showing you all the airplanes, but at least they're airplanes!

I didn't have a hard time keeping my splits where I wanted them, although I admit I turned music on for the last five miles. It was Mumford & Sons, though, so, like, not pump-up music. I could have done all 15 sans music, but I just didn't feel like it.

15 miles on the books! Next week I only have to do 10 (although the weekly mileage is similar), so I've got a couple of weeks to gear up for the next long run (16 miles, I believe?). Bring it.

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I finally signed up for the marathon I'm training for!

I really wish the confirmation page was more exciting than this.

I had to wait until my finances were in a better place, but now that Norway's behind me (I was afraid I'd need megabucks in the event of an emergency), I decided it was time.

I'll be running the Mayor's Marathon at the end of June. I'm not at all familiar with the course (I ran the half a few years ago but the two races use two totally different routes), but I know it spends 8-ish miles on "trails" typically closed to us non-military folk, so I'm really excited to see what that's all about. If you're at all interested, you can check out a race report here. She's got pictures of this mysterious trail and it looks nice! The weather's usually pretty decent in June and the temperature always gets five Jeanos up, which means this race will be better than 99.9% of all June marathons. That's a fact.

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Weekly recap!

Monday: I eased back into running with 5 slow treadmill miles

Tuesday: 6 miles with 5 x 1k (8:30 pace with 400m rest)

Wednesday: rest

Thursday: 10 miles with 8 tempo (9:44 pace)

Friday: 6 easy miles

Saturday: 5 easy miles

Sunday: 15 miles

Total: 47 miles!!!!

A new weekly mileage PR by 5.5 miles. Hot damn!

I can't say it was a piece of cake getting back to running this week, but I did all my scheduled runs and am back on track, my favorite place to be.

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I'm thrilled to announce the grand opening of Jeano's Box Cake Factory. That's cake made from a box mix, not a cake that comes in a box (although I suppose I could throw it in a box if you're into that kind of thing, you weirdo). We can make you whatever you want, as long as it's vanilla with chocolate frosting.

All good businesses have pictures of their products, so I present to you the following:

Because I'm a good food blogger and we food bloggers know food looks radically different when viewed from slightly different vantage points, here's another picture. You're welcome.

Okay, okay, you got me, I'm not opening a cake factory; I just wanted to brag about my enviable culinary talents.

To you guys!

• Any suggestions for savory fuel?
• Your cakes look this bad, right? Right?!
• Signed up for any races recently? Where? When? Tell me everything.