11 miles....check!

Yesterday was actually cold. Yes, I know- I thought the day would never come. I had 11 miles on the schedule (a new longest distance for me!) and I was so glad I wasn't going to have to do it in 80 degree heat and humidity. I did, however, make the mistake of thinking I could still get by in shorts and short sleeved shirt, and was actually freezing!

Miles 1-3 I took slow and steady, and finally by the third felt as though I'd hit some sort of rhythm, something that has been missing from my running for a while. I started to feel really good, but kept it slow so I could finish the whole thing.

Miles 4-6 were also good. I hit some ground I've never been on before which was great. The direction I'd headed out on the trace is my usual, but previously I'd always turned around at mile 4 (since 8 miles is the furthest I've ran before this, outside of races!). It was clean and crisp, and the sun was shining, I felt fantastic. And this was even with my ipod with my husband at work....grrr! I had to do 11 miles with no music. But it was actually so peaceful. I had time to do so much thinking and organizing. I realize I do miss those runs without music where you can focus and concentrate on the task at hand, and alternatively plan your next day, your evening, etc.

By mile 6 I was a) happy I was more than halfway done, and b) freezing. My knees started to ache, and it wasn't even soreness, seriously I think it was from the cold! So I was thinking, great, finally some cold weather and my legs are still aching! I had this vision in my head that running would be effortless as soon as it cooled off. But you know what...it still pretty much was, so I shouldn't complain.

I started playing my game at mile 7, of just trying to make each mile a little better than the last. By mile 9.6 a crazy headwind picked up. All I could think was please God why now! I felt like it was taking all of my energy to go forward, and my arms and knees where numb.

Finally I hit my street, and started to walk as soon as I hit 11 miles. It was that weird walking...you know, like right after a race where running seemed so natural and then you try to walk and feel like you're going to fall over. I stumbled to the house, and went in.

It was the first time in AGES that I wasn't pouring sweat. I should have weighed myself before and after, because I'm really curious how much water I lose with no hydration. I know it's bad, but I just haven't figured out a good way to deal with that yet, and I really really don't want to carry anything with me. As for nutrition, I ate a Power Bar Energize Smoothie bar in Berry Blast about 45 minutes before I went out....and I have to say it was disgusting....but did the trick, I guess, because I wasn't tired.

My legs were sore last night, but nothing serious. I wish I'd had more time to ice, but I usually do, so once won't kill me. I do think that was probably my last afternoon long run. I just don't have the energy then and it's usually right before I have to head back to work, so I think I will have to start making room on the weekends.

Anyhow, the miles went like this: 10:50, 10:28, 10:12, 10:05, 10:02, 10:11, 10:15, 9:57, 9:54, 9:51, 9:41. So clustered really nicely, and almost perfect negative splits. What I'm learning is that while I may never be fast, I am a really good pacer.

Next up...12 miles Sunday! But first, my Saturday attempt at a sub-25 minute 5k....