On the road again: 8 miles

This weeks’ long run was a little different. That’s because: A) It didn’t happen on the weekend; B) Alisha and I didn’t run it together; C) It was a shorter distance than last week’s; and D) I forgot to take a picture detailing the time, place, and other info.

But other than all that, it was just the same.

OK, that wasn’t funny. Except to me. 🙂

Anyway, last week, the running plan we’re following dropped the long run back down to 8 miles. This week, we’ll run 10 miles again, then 12, then drop back to 5, then it’s time for the half! Unbelievable!

I, for one, was grateful for the lower mileage. But because I was going to Missouri to see the family for the weekend, I knew the best idea would be to get my long run in BEFORE I went to Missouri. Because it just likely wouldn’t happen if I waited to do it there. So, on Thursday afternoon after a long day at work, I set out for an 8 mile run without Alisha, since she was still at work.

And let’s just say the run did not go well.

It was a bit warm, since March apparently is the new May around here. The top of my left foot had been hurting all day and running with it didn’t hurt—it just felt like I was dragging a huge wooden foot along with me. And, it had been a long day in a long week at work, and I was tired. I’d also made some poor eating choices in the hours before the run. I had underestimated how much all of this would affect my run.

I also underestimated how much having a running partner helps me. I had no one to talk to, no one to take my mind off the fact that I was running in those hard places where I’d rather stop, flag down an ice cream truck, buy some, then meander back to the car. My iPod kept doing weird things, like turning on voice control or playing all the songs super fast, and my breathing just wasn’t good. I walked more than I wanted to. I’d give myself a minute or two walk break, then set out for my 6 minute running interval, run a couple of minutes, declare that I couldn’t do it and walk a bit more. Then, I’d get mad at myself for walking, make myself run, and start the cycle again. It wasn’t my finest moment, people. Not at all.

But, the distance was covered. I survived. And next weekend, I’ll do 10 miles with my running partner. Thank goodness I don’t have to do it alone! I’m annoying by myself! 🙂

So here’s Week 8′s run by the numbers:

Distance: 8 miles Location: Crockett Park and trails Time: 1:38:22 Average pace: 12’17″ If you want to see it on GPS, go here: http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/plus/#//runs/gps/1625581486/1697097313/

(I’m particularly proud of mile 10 which was our fastest mile at a pace of 10’41″!)As I train for the half marathon, you’ll see more posts like this. I’m planning to document each long run, so you’ll get to come alongside me for every mile, every irrational I-hate-running-and-why-did-I-sign-up-for-this moment, and every completely random adventure that happens along the way.