A double-digit run

Today's long run was a solo one. I woke up at 5:30 and saw that our street was a glistening sheet of ice. I knew that I wasn't making it up to Fletcher's Boathouse to run with my Team in Training group. I was bummed but knew that I would run my 10 miles later on that morning.

 

Today's run was a big deal. Today was my first double-digit run since August. I was curious to see the progress I have made with going slow and steady.

 

I waited for the temperature to reach 30 degrees before I headed out. I put on all of my layers and out the door I went. It was cold but not freezing cold. I had to walk down our street due to all of the ice. I didn't want to risk slipping and breaking my leg.

 

I ran at a comfortable pace. It was faster that normal but it felt right, so I just went with it. I knew I could always slow down if I needed to. Once I hit the main road, I had to run on the snow covered sidewalk. That in itself, was quite a workout for my legs. I had to really pay attention to where my feet were landing so that I didn't hit any patches of ice.

 

I was cruising along and started to feel a burning on back. First thing I thought was "not another hot spot, GAH!" It couldn't be, I was only 2.5 miles into my run.
 

If you don't recall, I got a nasty one over the summer.

It hurt so bad.

 

Anywho, I stopped and readjusted my Camelbak and sports bra. I put it back on and didn't notice it anymore after that. I figured it was just my sports bra...yeah so not the case. The hubs noticed I have a small hot spot on my back...grrrr. How can my Camelbak give me a hot spot since I am wearing so many layers? I didn't have any issues last week.

 

The first half of my run was fabulous. I felt speedy and I moved through the miles quickly. At the turn around, it all fell apart. It was WINDY, I was cold and I had a mostly uphill run back to my house. No bueno. not. at. all.

 

I pushed through and made it back in record time. A new (unofficial) PR!

 

10 miles in 1:28:35

 

Mile 1 - 8:48

Mile 2 - 8:41

Mile 3 - 8:41

Mile 4 - 8:32

Mile 5 - 9:05

Mile 6 - 9:12

Mile 7 - 8:41

Mile 8 - 9:02

Mile 9 - 8:47

Mile 10 - 8:49

 

Average pace - 8:50 min/mile. BOOM!

 

My sub-2 half-marathon goal seems reachable!!

 

I know you love the sweat picture, ha ha.

 

A few things I noticed. This morning I had some carbs with breakfast. I also had a wheat bagel with almond butter before my run. It was delicious. I'm still not eating dairy and I can happily say that I did not have ANY stomach issues before, during or after my run. WOOT!

 

I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or the real deal. I guess I will know more during next week's long run. I really hope I have finally figured it out.

 

How is your weekend going? Any races? Long runs?