10 miles
As I noted before I've never completed a 10 mile run without my knee swelling such that I was unable to bend it enough to do stairs in a proper fashion. Yesterday I accomplished the previously impossible. I think it was a combination of factors, 1- I've been running a lot already, and pushed through some over use issues, 2- I did a good portion of the run on a trail or grass, 3- I walked some.
With portions of an ultra expected to be walked I figure practicing walking quickly is perfectly acceptable for my long runs. While my shorter weekday runs I plan to run without walking. Meaning at a certain point I am expecting myself to run an entire 10 miles.
I did not get to do as much trail work as planned since I was out before the sun was really up and I did not feel comfortable following the coyote down the trail head I planned to take. When the sun was a little more up I took a different trail entrance and heard something following me. After 20 minutes of that I was sufficiently creeped out and chose a less wooded area. I also saw way too many bunnies to count. Way too many. No coyote should be going hungry in this area.
Positives: I found myself with a huge ear to ear grin as I was attacking a hill around mile three. I made a mental note to remember that feeling, especially for next week when I am warm and toasty in bed and would prefer to resnuggle Hobe rather than be cold. Despite the cold I was darn close to giggling out loud I was just having FUN. I really wasn't expecting that. I talked to a guy who did the 20 miler of the race last year (2 laps as opposed to 3) and he was very encouraging but did express how difficult the course was and to expect it to take a long time, and understand reminding myself to walk won't be much of an issue as there are parts of the course where you are on all 4s crawling up hills. Miles 8, 9 and 10. They felt really, really good. I love my new running pants, and the long sleeve dri-fit was great too. Paired with a light weight fleece they kept me toasty. I was sweating in 8 minutes but never truly cold. Add a hat and I could use the same gear for 20 degrees colder I think.
Negative: I hate my hydration belt. It was uncomfortable and bouncy, if it was cinched down to not bounce it made me sick to my stomach. Hobe promised to bring home one of his camelbacks from work that he thinks will work better for me. I hate the first mile - mile and a half. They hurt, aren't fun and only remind me of how far I still have to go.
With portions of an ultra expected to be walked I figure practicing walking quickly is perfectly acceptable for my long runs. While my shorter weekday runs I plan to run without walking. Meaning at a certain point I am expecting myself to run an entire 10 miles.
I did not get to do as much trail work as planned since I was out before the sun was really up and I did not feel comfortable following the coyote down the trail head I planned to take. When the sun was a little more up I took a different trail entrance and heard something following me. After 20 minutes of that I was sufficiently creeped out and chose a less wooded area. I also saw way too many bunnies to count. Way too many. No coyote should be going hungry in this area.
Positives: I found myself with a huge ear to ear grin as I was attacking a hill around mile three. I made a mental note to remember that feeling, especially for next week when I am warm and toasty in bed and would prefer to resnuggle Hobe rather than be cold. Despite the cold I was darn close to giggling out loud I was just having FUN. I really wasn't expecting that. I talked to a guy who did the 20 miler of the race last year (2 laps as opposed to 3) and he was very encouraging but did express how difficult the course was and to expect it to take a long time, and understand reminding myself to walk won't be much of an issue as there are parts of the course where you are on all 4s crawling up hills. Miles 8, 9 and 10. They felt really, really good. I love my new running pants, and the long sleeve dri-fit was great too. Paired with a light weight fleece they kept me toasty. I was sweating in 8 minutes but never truly cold. Add a hat and I could use the same gear for 20 degrees colder I think.
Negative: I hate my hydration belt. It was uncomfortable and bouncy, if it was cinched down to not bounce it made me sick to my stomach. Hobe promised to bring home one of his camelbacks from work that he thinks will work better for me. I hate the first mile - mile and a half. They hurt, aren't fun and only remind me of how far I still have to go.