Yesterday I got the wild hair up my butt that I had to run 8 miles today. No clue where I pulled 8 from, but something was telling me this. I pondered it. See I had to do my long run today instead of Sunday like normal because I have a photo shoot tomorrow morning and then all day plans after. So I think about this ALL day yesterday and I decide sure - why not?
So last night I dug out the Gu I bought at a sports store about a month ago. I froze a water bottle. The whole time I felt strong! Ha. I wasn't doing anything but mentally I felt like I was ready for this. I did not work out last night cause I knew I needed all my legs for this.
I started out a bit later than planned - 7:30. I got hooked on Shades of Gray last night and I had to read a bit more this morning. :)
I put my frozen water bottle at the end of the drive. I'd pass my drive at the 5 mile mark. It's a bit more humid again. Off I go for the first 5 miles totally making sure my brain understands that I have to keep running after that 5 mile mark. At mile 4 I decide to try Gu. I have no clue what this stuff is like, but I read that the chocolate is very good.
Um this stuff tasted like chocolate frosting. I wanted another! So I keep running to the 5 mile mark wondering if it will kick in. My mouth is now a bit sticky so I want water. Mentally I hate stopping on runs. It makes the whole run "null and void" in my mind. But. .. I have three miles to go. It's humid. My mouth is sticky. I pause my GPS and stop for lovely cold water.
Of I go and my brain is now struggling. The 1.5 mark where I turn back is so far away. Maybe I should shoot for 7 miles? After all 6.25 was my longest so far. But no. My body isn't hurting that much. My brain is. So I chug on. Yay when I turn around at 6.5 miles. I got this! But boy oh boy the last 1.5 was TOUGH. The last mile especially. I could have walked faster than I was running I think. Hell I'm pretty sure I have walked in the mall when on a shopping mission much faster than I was running. My legs were heavy but I had to get home. And I did!
My total time was 1:36:08. Avg pace 11:53. I did my first five with an avg of like 11:19 if I remember right. But distance was the goal here.
So my final thought of the day is "Who am I?" Holy crap. This girl that runs 8 miles? I don't even know her. I'm crazy! And my knees are killing me! I've iced them twice already today :)
Wow, nice job! I can't wait until I can say I ran 8 miles. I don't want to actually do the 8 miles, though...but saying that I did it will be awesome. LOL Someday... :)
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