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?