Today was my long run, 7 miles. This was a crazy week because I was basically resting while still trying to get some of my miles in so I wouldn’t fall behind on the half marathon plan.
I only ran one other time this week, and then rode the bike once. The other days were devoid of exercise so that my shins could heal a bit. Anyway, I am rambling…
1 mile splits: 9:46, 9:57, 9:54, 10:33, 10:06, 10:15, 10:14
As you can see I had a pretty crappy split on the 4th mile. I started the workout by walking a half a mile out on the trail, then running. I was hoping to go 3.5 miles out then turn around and finish up with another .5 mile walk. However when I got to the 3 mile mark, the trail was blocked off with no trespassing signs. I basically had to do some shorter back and forth running at the end there and then turn and head for the start. In addition, the trail was a one lane dealy out there so it was a slower go. However I turned around and got my pace settled again.
After 4 miles, it was kind of automatic. I wasn’t even really thinking about the run itself or if I was tired, I just ran.
It’s kind of goofy to say, but I felt like a long distance runner when I hit that last mile. My stride was good, form was still there and the miles were behind me. I can’t explain it totally, and I know it makes me sound like the biggest nerd of all time…but I really did feel like a real distance runner. Of course, I blog about running and computers, so it’s not like I was fooling anyone into thinking that I was somehow not a nerd.
Some Stats:
Distance: 7.16 mi
Time: 1:10:50 (pace: 9:53)
Average Heart Rate: 151 bpm
Calories Burned: 1104
Well, you’re definitely a nerd, but at least now you’re a faster nerd. ;) Nice run – 7 miles is further than most ever go.
Thank you for the kind words Marcus. I am looking forward to the steady increases over the next 5 weeks.