I joined a challenge group. The goal was to run 100 miles between November 25th and December 31st. Of course, I knew I could do that, but I wanted to push myself further, much further. Initially, I set the goal as 250 miles. When I saw 300 miles was within reach, I readjusted and went for that. After today's 10 miler, I'm over 305 miles with another day to go.
This challenge included my first 3 weeks of 70 miles or more. I've never run that much. Of course without the group I would've still run a lot, but I doubt it would've been this much. I was also proud of the people in the group that went over 100 miles. A few of them even went over 200 miles as well.
I changed things around this week after last night. I have a 50k planned for Saturday. I signed up for it way back when the Eagles were like 3-5. I didn't think I would have to worry about having a playoff game. Instead, we have one on Saturday night. The 50k is in Northern New Jersey on Saturday morning. I should be done in the afternoon and then I'll rush down to the stadium to tailgate and watch the game. That could be interesting because I will certainly be sore after the race. Hopefully it won't be as bad as my first 50k, where I cramped up several times while sitting around afterward.
I got out in the afternoon for this 10 miler. It was that instead of the planned 15 miles. I need to back off slightly this week. I may run a 5k tomorrow anyway, so no need to overdo it today.
It was a typical, cold day. I started at Mill Race Park and that was tricky. That place is exposed to the elements and always has the most wind of anywhere on the trail. I had on the usual clothing, including my fleece vest. The headband and gloves went off and on throughout the run. It was actually quite warm on the way out.
I held myself back early on, but my legs were feeling awesome. Maybe that was the result of 2 shorter mileage days in a row. I've typically been putting together back to back to back big mileage days and sometimes even a 4th long run in a row. Then I rest and recover at the end of the week.
I cruised along. There were a few people out. Most were walking dogs. I saw a young girl running and I think she had on an Easton Lacrosse sweatshirt. She looked like a girl I saw running there when I was with Emily the other day. If so, good for her.
Most of my early miles were a little over an 8 minute pace. As the legs came around, it dropped under 8 minutes per mile. I tried to focus only on small increments, since I had a long way to go.
I usually go out and back in several directions for runs like this. Today, I wanted to go out 5 miles and run all the way back. That meant crossing over and running on the Karl Stirner Arts Trail. It also meant adding in some hills.
As I hit miles 4 and then 5, I didn't feel all that great. My legs seemed like they were getting weaker. I also felt a little lightheaded at times. I didn't eat much, so that may have been a factor.
I ran to the end of the Arts Trail. That was the 5 mile point. Coming back was tough because it is an early uphill. The legs were struggling some. I knew they'd carry me through the run, but it would take some work. I was grateful that at least the trail was clear. The only issue was that it was wet, but that is no problem.
At the near end of the Arts Trail, I came to a family. The 2 kids were riding in Power Wheels. That was cool and I joked that I need to get one of those. They looked like they were having a blast. It brought a smile to my face.
I really wanted to get to miles 7 and then 7.5. The rest of the run would be manageable by then. I did that and continued to cruise along. I thought about different landmarks, like road crossings. I went past Penn Pump Park with about 1.5 miles to go.
I wasn't working harder, but my pace was dropping and dropping. I felt good that the end was near. The last uphill to Mill Race Park was kind of challenging, but I made it. The final 4 miles were all under 8 minutes and the last one was the fastest at 7:43.
It was good to get the run in and be over 300 miles for the challenge. Now, I'm hoping to run that Peepsfest 5k tomorrow afternoon. If I don't work, I'll be there. If I do run that, I think I can break 20 minutes. It looked like the top of the field was quite strong last year. I also love the fact that it is a 1 PM race. That is more of my element than morning runs are. I'm hoping to run home from the race too. That is another 8 miles. Then, I'll rest more later in the week.
10 miles - 1:20:38 (8:04 pace)
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