Can I just tell you how much I did NOT want to do a long run today. Well last night anyway. I spent the entire evening dreading getting up and actually doing the running. 18 miles is a LONG way and I just didn't know if I had it in me. I know I've done 18 miles before, but I never anticipate it being easy.
Surprisingly when the alarm went off this morning, my attitude was better. I woke up refreshed and ready to do this run (but still a wee bit scared).
I met my friend Tracey (the girl who actually got me into running) at North Park to tackle my mileage. Tracey had 13 on her schedule today. Having someone there for all but 5 miles of my run definitely helped.
Tracey and I planned to run the first 6 mile loop together and then circle back around to pick up a few of her friends for the next loop. Tracey and I chatted up a storm and I don't think there was a moment of silence for the next hour or so. It was so nice to run with Tracey again!
Mile 1: 10:25
Mile 2: 10:42
Mile 3: 10:31
Mile 4: 9:57 -----> what is this???
Mile 5: 10:31
Mile 6: 10:30 -----> Gu
I can't believe how fast the first 6 miles went. It was like I hadn't run at all. My legs definitely felt tight in the beginning, but they loosened up around the 3 mile mark (as per usual).
We picked up Tracey's friends: Barb, Kristy (did I spell that right?) and Charlene. Barb and Kristy are long time runners and Charlene has just recently started running and is training for her first 10k next month.
Barb and Christy kept a good bit ahead of us and Tracey, Charlene and I kept a bit in the back. I had a nice average pace going and I was intent on keeping it right around a 10:30 pace.
The girls were made the time go by REALLY fast. I just can't believe how quickly 12 miles came and went.
Before I knew it we were back at the car again and were saying goodbye to Barb, Christy and Charlene. Tracey said she'd run 1 more mile with me.
Mile 7: 10:26
Mile 8: 10:18
Mile 9: 10:22
Mile 10: 10:09
Mile 11: 10:24
Mile 12: 10:15
Pretty soon I was all on my own with nothing to keep me company but my iPod and the scenery.
I actually was feeling really pretty good being on my own. I had a little Luke Bryan on going and he was really pepping me up. I was almost 15 miles into my run and couldn't believe how good that I felt. With just 3 miles left, I finally began to believe I could make it.
I'll admit that around the 16 mile mark my feet really started to aggravate me and my shorts were rubbing my inner thigh. I was trying to put any pain I was having in the back of my mind and just get through the run.
Pretty soon I was rounding my last corner and coming down the home stretch. I kicked it in as much as I could to try and have a fast last mile. I was surprised I had more left in me to give. Today I wasn't held back by the heat or by my breathing. My problem today was my feet. I'm sparing you the pictures, but I have THREE HUGE blisters and they don't feel fun.
Mile 13: 10:59
Mile 14: 10:32
Mile 15: 10:12
Mile 16: 10:53 ----> Some fast last mile. haha
Total: 3:08:19
Average: 10:27
When I got into my car I found this little note tucked under my windshield wiper so I could read it. It made me so happy. I swear I have such awesome friends!
Despite my blisters, this run was far better than I ever imagined it would be. I'm one step closer to being ready for this marathon even with moving half way across the country. I'll take it!
Also congrats to my friend Valerie who ran her very first 5K today in 27:25. Her goal was to finish in 30:00 and she blew that out of the water! I am so proud of Val. Feel free to comment and let her know how much she rocks!
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