I don’t know why, but I felt like running my 10-miler on Saturday alone. What an idiot!
I wouldn’t say I regretted the decision instantly, more like around .25 miles when I got bored and realized I had 9.75 miles left. Ugh.
And if ever there was a day to wear a running skirt, Saturday would’ve been it. Clear sky, bright sun and close to 60 degrees. Why I wore capris on the warmest day of the year yet, I do not know. With my capris, I sported a new short-sleeved orange/pink shirt from Walmart’s Danskin line.
It cost me $7. I like that it has the moisture-wicking thing and it’s flattering cut — body-skimming, not roll-hugging. I also got a tank in the same color for $7.
My goal for Saturday was to try to keep my pace at 10:30 or below. After last week’s 9 with Zoë, I felt like I could step it up a bit.
I felt really good for the first 5 miles. Running felt easy, except for my fuel belt, which I couldn’t get to stay put. I think I had it too high because I finally got it secured around my hips at about Mile 4. Oh, it needs to be under my stomach roll!
I think the first 5 felt easier because I was running into the wind. It was keeping me cool. The weirdest thing, though, was when I ran into the shade, there was this coolness behind me that pushed me forward, like a man’s large cold hand on my lower back. Creepy!
But on the way back, I was sort of wishing for that. The second 5 miles were long and hot, facing the sun. No wind. The water looked so refreshing.
Then the toes on my left foot started to rub around 7 miles (I didn’t apply my BodyGlide carefully) and my Morton’s Neuroma in my right foot started to hurt. That’s when it became a mind game.
Why am I doing this? This is so dumb. Maybe I can downgrade my NODM to 13.1 instead of 26.2. Why do I feel the need to run this far? Maybe I should quit running…for good. I’m never going to be able to run a full. Who the hell am I kidding?
The really annoying thing during the second 5 miles was that I couldn’t keep a consistent pace. I was running along and I’d glance at my watch: 9:15 pace, so I’d slow a bit: 11:12 pace. What? I didn’t slow down that much! Then I would get to a nice 10:20 pace and I’d be truckin’ along and decide to check my watch: 12:30. WHAT?! Or I’d look down and see 8:46. What, WHAT?!
The other annoying thing was that I ran out of water. The two 8-ounce Amphipod bottles are not enough for a warm day. Good to know, though, although I was a little worried when I got back in the car to drive home and I felt woozy. As soon as the A/C hit me, I felt better, so I think it was just because I was hot.
Of course, like that famous quote, I don’t regret the run. And I was really surprised at my average pace when I came home and looked at AJ II’s stats.
3/6/2010 – 10 Miles – 1:43:39
Average pace: 10:21
Mile 1: 10:17
Mile 2: 10:19
Mile 3: 10:12
Mile 4: 10:16
Mile 5: 10:10 (there was sort of a scary, smelly man I had to pass just before and then after my turnaround, which is why my time’s a bit faster)
Mile 6: 10:39 (this is where you can see that I’m having consistency issues)
Mile 7: 10:18
Mile 8: 10:27
Mile 9: 10:33
Mile 10: 10:21
In regard to the second 5 miles and the inconsistent pace…I just looked at the elevation of the trail on AJ II and discovered it’s the same situation as the trail by my house: the first 5 miles were slightly downhill, which means the second 5 are slightly UPhill! Started at 320 feet and turned around at 120 feet just before Mile 5. That makes me feel so much better!
DAY 233
Today was a rest day, and tonight I had a glass of white wine with a bowl of microwave popcorn for dinner while I skipped around the Oscars with my TiVo remote. Favorite dresses: Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock and Kate Winslet. And I don’t usually like gold! And I also loved Queen Latifah’s gorgeous purple gown — classic Hollywood glamour!
COMING UP: Two weeks till my second half marathon! Commence freak out…sometime next week.
14 comments
I know the feeling — overdressing and feeling unmotivated. But, I agree, post-run it's hard to feel any regret. You'll do fine in your half. You're pretty fast! 🙂
TWO WEEKS!!! Yeow!!! You are ready! We are ready! I think your pace looked pretty darn good! now you just have to take that mind game by the horns and and tackle it! You can do a full 26.2 for sure!!! Great job with 10 on your own! I have 16 on my own tomorrow or Tuesday (depending on my Dr. apt in the AM).
I have thought those same exact thoughts before. But, you know what…YOU CAN DO IT! You can and you will, and you will do awesome! Good job on your 10 miler alone. You did it. 🙂
Way to go! Ten miles on your own – especially when you're warm and running uphill for the last five miles – is really impressive. You are going to do so well at NODM!
Two weeks! Awesome! You will do great!
Great job on the run! Sounds like a beautiful day!You'll be ready to kill your HM.
Nice job on your 10-miler.I love to run with my running group, but I do also enjoy the solo runs. It gives me the time to just relax and think about things, whether it's about my running (my goals, upcoming races, my form, etc.) or just whatever else is going on. I think that's why I've been running some six-milers during the week because I want to have that time to myself my Sunday runs don't offer.I won't say not to worry about Half No. 2, but I will say that I hope you can minimize the mental anguish somewhat. Your training is going great so I anticipate a strong performance.
Congrats for fighting off the mental thing. A lot of times I find that much tougher than the physical miles…..
I had that same neg talk during my race last wk. I hate when I do that. Good for you for sticking it out. I know this “this coolness behind me” creepy feeling. Like when you're swimming in a lake and you hit a warm (or cold) spot. And you wonder why is the water warm? (Where I live, all water is muddy/cloudy/brown ie you can't see thru it)
You'll rock your half marathon!!!! Great job on the 10, and love the pics!
Hot running? AC? HOw warm is it there??Tell the negative self-talker to shut up. You are so ready!
I thought the same thing during my 8 miles: Why did I think training for a half marathon was a good idea? But whenever I finish I rememeber that the feeling I have is why. 10 miles is so awesome though, way to go.
Cute clothes at great prices: score! Second half mary approaching: another score! You'll rock it, for sure! Posting about running alone… please be careful. 🙁 HUGS from Orlando!
I think it's so funny how all of y'all who get such cold weather burn up running in 60 degree temps, and those of us acclimated to 100 degree summers and crazy humidity think it's cold. I still feel like 60 is a little chilly, and think it's perfect capri weather!