This weekend my training schedule for the ten mile race called for me to run nine miles. Given that eight was a bit of a challenge, I decided to ask for help. In spinning class on Thursday night, I begged my dear friend Becky to do the nine and ten mile training runs with me. Luckily for me, she agreed, and on Saturday morning we set out for a run together. We had gorgeous weather for it - not too hot, pleasantly sunny, nice breeze every once in a while. I ran all the way to the halfway point without stopping to walk, which was the longest continuous stretch of running I've ever done. I did have to stop and walk a couple of times (the ever-patient Becky claims she prefers walking to running really slowly, but she may have just been humoring me) and my legs definitely refused to run at the very end. Still, I felt better than I did even two weeks ago when I ran eight miles. Part of that was the company, I'm sure. Thanks, Becky! Running with you is at least a million times better than running without you. :)
I did develop a blister on my right ring toe (aka the piggy that didn't get any roast beef) around mile seven, which has me a little concerned. I've never gotten blisters from running before. Hopefully it was just a one time event. Last night my knees were killing me and I was so tired that I was falling asleep on the couch by 10:30, but they felt better by mid-morning today. Now I just have sore quad muscles. I skipped working out today to give my body a break. I'm not sure if that was the right thing to do or not, but it felt right.
So, yesterday morning was awesome. Seriously, anyone who needs a confidence boost should sign up for some sort of race. I can't tell you how good it felt to get to the end of nine miles in under two hours. Now I know we'll be able to finish the race within the time limit for sure. I wish I didn't have to stop to walk at all, but I'm pleased with what I've accomplished so far.
Making the day even more awesome was the text message I saw when I got back to my car. My friend Julie had her baby! A little girl. I am so very happy for her and her family.
Next weekend: Ten miles. I'm not sure I had another mile of running in me at the end of the nine miles, but I'm going to give it my best shot.
Taking today off was definitely the thing to do - I always, always take a day off after a long run, even if I don't necessarily feel like I need it, just to give my legs an extra day to recover.
And you'll be totally fine for 10 miles next week. You finished nine already! Adding on one more mile will be easier than you think :-)
I'm impressed. As you will see at my place tomorrow, I ran 2 miles on Sunday. I was tres impressed. Now, I just need to figure out a way to do that everyday.