It's 6:00AM on a Saturday morning, and I'm about to set out on a 16 mile run. ( I think I just shuttered at that last part. ) As part of my marathon training, today's the day for a long run. Temperature is a balmy 31 degrees outside under cloudy skies with some light snow possible. Not too bad really, considering how cold it's been over the past few weeks.
The course I had mapped out was about 16.2 miles. Here is link to my route:
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4259589
My run started out painfully slow - I was tired and every mile seemed to drag on forever! It wasn't until about mile 4 that I started to get into the rhythm. My mind was racing with ideas about different blog posts I could write on Lighten Up. I wish I had a way of recording my thoughts while I'm on the go. :) I worked some hills into the run to help build strength and endurance in my legs. My first pass through the UW Arboretum was nice and quite. The road were a bit icy in places. I saw lots of other runners out - they were all very friendly. As I approached the Vilas Zoo, I spotted my car and Mattie awaiting my arrival. He was galloping running in little circles, just rearin' to go! And so I took a 2 minute breather and we were off - just another 6 miles to go.
I'm so fortunate that he came out because I'm not sure I would have made it. Okay, I probably would have finished just fine, but it was so nice to have the company and support. :) We tackled the ginormous hill leading up to Seminole Hwy and then picked up the pace for our final loop through the Arboretum.
In the end, I finished the 16.2 miles in 2 hours, 10 minutes. That is an average of 8 min/mile. Wow - it certainly didn't feel that fast, but I'm proud to say I did it!! Whoo-hoo!
And now....a grande skinny mocha from Starbucks and a peanut butter sammich! Mmm, Mmm, Mmm!
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