10 Miles - CHECK!!!

I am pleased to announce that not only did I survive yesterday's 10 mile run...but it was actually one of the best runs I think I've ever had! Thanks go out to the weather (warm with mild wind), the route (mostly flat), and the wonderful company (my 1/2 marathon partner Kristen).

Our time wasn't the greatest...and unfortunately we didn't have a garmin on us to give us the exact stats. But let me give you a little run down of how the run went:

We ran at the downtown airport again. Basically, there are no cars out there, just runners and cyclists. It's open and has just 2 tiny hills, the rest is flat. The loop is 3.6 miles around. We have a spot that we run to and back after the full loop to make it 4 miles. We did the first 4 mile loop sans ipods. We were having a good time talking and catching up and it made the loop go by relatively quickly. I remember telling Kristen at one point that my legs felt heavy and I felt like I was just shuffling along, but it's pretty typical for me to not really get into the run until after the first 3 miles.

After the first loop, we stopped back at the car to refuel. I downed a GU and some Powerade and we both stretched quite a bit. We had originally planned to grab our music for the next loop, but we were having such a good time talking, we decided against it. So we set off for our second 4 mile loop without our MP3 players.

We were running along, deep in coversation and well past the 5 mile mark when I turned to Kristen and blurted out "Oh my gosh, I just realized we haven't stopped to walk even ONCE!" Kristen looked a little surprised, as if she hadn't realized that yet either. Near about 7.5 miles, the arch in my right foot started to really tighten up. But I promised Kristen we would at least make it to 8 miles without stopping to walk.

After 8 miles, we were back at our cars for a quick drink and stretch before setting out for our final 2 miles. I was fatigued, but I felt like I still had 2 more miles in me. Mind you that prior to yesterday, 8 miles was the furthest I had ran. But I didn't feel near the exhaustion I felt after the 8 mile run 2 weeks ago.

At this point, we decided to head out for our final 2 miles without our MP3 players. We had come this far and didn't feel that they were necessary for this particular run. We kept digging for things to talk about to take our minds off the run. We got to the turn around point at 9 miles and headed back for our final mile. By then, my right arch was pretty tight, as was my left calf. But we were both determined to make the full 10 miles without walking....we had come so far. We finally got to where our cars were in sight - the finish line! And I am pleased to announce that not only did I survive a full 10 mile run without the aid of my MP3 player...but I also did it without WALKING!!!

Just one month ago, I hadn't ever ran more than 4 miles in my life....and actually no more than 3 miles in my adult life. Now I'm running 10 miles without walking and while carrying on a conversation the entire time! This completely blows my mind! All I have to say is that I feel pretty bad ass right now! ;) I can barely walk today....but I still feel pretty bad ass. :P

Friday, April 3, 2009: 10 mile run!!!