Guess What?!

I JUST RAN 7 MILES!!!!!!!!!

That's right, 7 miles! (Technically, 7.25) Just 3 days ago I had never ran more than 4 miles in my life. Then I ran 6.3 on Wednesday, although it was in 2 segments. And then tonight I went and did 7! I'm still in shock!

As I said previously, today's run would solidify my decision of whether or not I will be doing the St Louis half marathon....and I've decided to GO FOR IT!

I have to really thank my friend Kristen for getting me through today's run. At 2.5 miles, I was really struggling. My calves and shins felt like they were going to explode. I kept thinking to myself that I was pushing myself too hard and maybe I should take it easy, given the long run (well, long for me) that I had on Wednesday. I sent Kristen a text saying basically that. She texted me back and reminded me that the first 2.5 - 3 miles are the hardest and that maybe I just needed to get past that hump. She also said to listen to my body and not hurt myself. She was right...I just needed to push past that hump.

Around 4.5 miles I stopped to stretch and refuel with a Clif Shot. I remember thinking to myself, "Only 2.5 miles to go. That'll be easy, I can do this!" That's so funny to think that just a couple months ago I could barely even do a 2.5 mile run and now I'm thinking that "only 2.5" left will be a piece of cake! I sent Kristen another text telling her I only had 2.5 to go. She was so encouraging and I really do think that if I didn't have her to remind me in the beginning to just get past the hump, there's no way I would have completed 7 miles.

With just under 2 miles to go, my energy shot hit me, along with the "runner's high." The last 2 miles were the easiest of the entire run and I actually felt like I could keep going after I hit 7. But I knew to go ahead and stop because pushing past that really would put me at risk for injury.

Anyway, there ya have it - 7 mile run accomplished and I am now planning to run a half marathon in just over 5 weeks. I could not be more proud of myself or more excited right now! I must go ice my shins and bask in the glory of today's run. :)

Friday, March 13, 2009: 7.25 mile run