First 10-mile Run and Week 8 Summary

This training week is finally over. I will summarize all my running for the week below, but first I will mention my first 10 mile run!

My First 10-mile Run

I was a little bit anxious for my first 10-mile run today. Since last week was my 8 mile run, my previous longest run, I didn't know how I would do with adding two miles to that. The start was fairly mundane, but about 2.5 miles into I hit a mental block. For some reason almost every time I run, it is very hard to me to complete/run mile 2-3. It is definitely more mental than physical. I think my brain just over exaggerates the work my body is doing and tries to convince me to stop!

By mile 5, I was still feeling nice but a little doubtful I would be able to complete what I wanted to run. Luckily, I had put lots of motivating/upbeat tunes on my mp3 player so I think that helped. Around mile 7, my calves started to feel tight, as well as my gluteal muscles. Then after finishing mile 8 and moving into mile 9, my right knee started to hurt. Basically it felt like my body was kicking my butt for running so much. =+). I tried to run a little bit harder the last mile, even though I wanted to stop. I'm not sure if I actually did, but I do know that I just kept pushing on. I wanted to stop so much, but I knew if I did I would not start back up again. I just kept going, one foot in front of the other, trying not to slow down.

And I did! I finished my ten miles in 1 hour and 21 minutes! I am very proud of myself. That works out to be about an 8'09" mile. My time surprised me as I thought I was pacing myself a bit slower than that. Oh well, I guess.

Week 8 Summary

I would like to sum of this week by looking at what Hal Higdon wanted me to run versus what I actually did. Hal's numbers will be in regular type and mine in italics.

Mon- Stretch and Strengthen; 5 mile run

Tues- 4.5 mile run; 20 minute pilates video

Wed- 40 min tempo run; 4 mile run

Thurs- 3 mile run + strength; 55 minute pilates video

Fri- Rest; 5 mile run

Sat- 5 mile pace; Rest

Sun- 10 mile run; 10 mile run

So it seems to me I did a pretty good job of loosely following his program. The modifications exist due to my work schedule and such. If I can keep up this schedule, I should be doing pretty good when it comes to race day. I have also included an updated running log (which I will try to update weekly). I have included in it an extrapolation time for my half marathon. Basically, I wanted to know if I keep the pace I just ran, what will my half marathon time be?

I'm also glad I'm not the only one training for my first half-marathon. Someone over at Get Fit Slowly is also on his way to complete his first half marathon. Congratulations to him.

That's all I got for now...