Thursday, April 8, 2010

Six-miler and then some

I love unintended extra miles - and especially the good unintended extra miles.


What turned out to be a 6-miler evolved into a 6.85-run.  And I love it. I probably could have run the extra .15 and make it a 7-mile run, but I didn't plan on that. My initial plan was 6-miles. Then I got to make loops around the neighborhood.  Kids were outside playing on the street with their dogs, their skater bike things and baseball bats. Such a wonderful sight and it's quite different from my other usual runs where there's no one in sight. So I ran in and out of the neighborhood to enjoy watching children at play. It dawned on me that I am also playing and having fun. Running is my play!

I love my pace too! I seldom can sustain a 11:00+/mile pace on a long run. But I think I did pretty well today. I felt strong while running and caught myself just smiling. I am just happy when I am in my own thoughts, in my own world, on my own terms when I run. I actually picked up the pace toward the end and give myself a little push. At the end of it, I felt like I still have a little more to give. Nonetheless, here are the splits: 
11:26.71
11:39.90
11:50.00
11:29.22 (ate 1/4 of Powerbar)
11:44.59
11:12.11
9:19.76
Total time: 1:18.42. Completed: 6.85miles. Average Pace: 11:29

I am still debating on the Country Music half marathon in Nashville. Regardless of entering the half marathon or not, I am determine to do that 13.1 on my own that weekend or the next. I am about 2 or 3 weeks behind the schedule. So, hmmm .... yep.
  
I also love how my "short" runs are getting longer. Four months or so ago, I'd never comprehend running 6-miles just for the heck of it. And now, it is just another out-and-back run. I feel strong. 
This weekend long run will be 11 miles. I don't know what to think about it. So, I am not going to think about it. It will happen. I'll just run and see where my legs take me :)  
How far/what race are you running this weekend? Any mental prep you would like to share? 

4 comments:

  1. I'm running 12 this weekend. I'm nervous about it.

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  2. great run!! nice splits. ya i love that too that now a 6 miles is just another run, and a 3 miler is a breeze. love it.

    im going away with the bf and his family, so prolly no running for me. i am brining my running clothes, and if all the roads are clear and there is no snow (we are going up north to his cottage) then i will get a short run in.

    have a great weekend

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  3. Nice splits!! No races for me this weekend, just a 4 miler with the Hubster. Hope you have a good one! :)

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  4. Awesome run!
    I am suppose to run 9 miles...but my hip is giving me major problems! Bummer!

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