11 Miles!
20 Feb
I got back from the running store today, threw on my running clothes and my old shoes, and grabbed a Gu. While I stretched, I brought the laptop down on the floor and mapped my run on Mapmyrun.com. I mapped out 11 miles through my neighborhood and my town. It was about 48 degrees today, and by the end of my first mile, I was wishing I hadn’t worn my long sleeve wicking shirt. Oh well. The run was feeling really well, but by mile 4 or 5, I thought for sure I’d have to knock on some stranger’s door to use the bathroom. Ack! But it passed.
Mile 7 brought a “hill”/bridge, something that I hadn’t really been training for at all. But I purposely added it to my run today because I know there will be some kind of on-ramp situation at Disney. It was excrutiating! I just had to keep thinking there was a downhill part of this torture.
By Mile 9 I wanted nothing to do with running anymore. I was ready to quit. But I was still 2 miles from home, and it would be faster to get home if I just kept running. My lower back was tensing up, and my toes were in a lot of pain. Plus, my hips felt immobile.
The last 2 miles were pure and utter torture, but I had to keep repeating some positive mantras. “It’s easy”, “pain is temporary, pride is forever”, and after a while, I just repeated “pride” over and over again out loud. It was the only thing that got me through.
When I hit the last quarter mile, I started crying. A rush of pride overwhelmed me. I had just run ELEVEN MILES! Never in my life have I ever thought I was capable of doing this.. I’m crying typing this.
As soon as I got home, I stretched a little and went right to the kitchen to make a Green Monster made with soy milk, flax seed, spinach, a banana, 1 scoop of protein powder, blueberries, and ice. It hit the spot! I enjoyed it while spending quite a while stretching in the living room.
Some views from my run…
This isn't the bridge I mentioned. I wouldn't complain about a flat bridge 
The Delaware Bay and a snowy beach!
So once I was all stretched and showered, I mapped out my run again since I had to take a little detour because one of the roads hadn’t been plowed yet. Well, turns out I actually went 11.6 miles in 2 hours, 14 minutes! A pace of 11:33. I’m so proud 
Side note- DailyMile says this run burned 2043 calories. Can this really be true?
I’m thankful this is the last long run I have until the race. I’m going to be doing some 3 and 5 mile runs until race day, which will also get my new shoes race-ready.
Now I’m putting the laptop away to enjoy a good night relaxing on the couch with the Olympics. I’m going to the movies tomorrow to see Shutter Island with my friend Ellen, and we’re having sushi afterwards! Any suggestions for vegetarian sushi? I’m thinking California rolls might be my only option. We’ll see.
Night night, my lovies!
