I didn't get out either of the first two days of the week. The cold and wind of Sunday was a good excuse, although it was better than Saturday actually. Yesterday, it snowed. The crazy weather continued again today, as it jumped to 50 degrees and was pouring down rain. I headed out after dark.
It was in the low 40s when I started. It was good enough for shorts. The top was tricky. I went with a long sleeve shirt under mile shell. The gloves came on and off. At times, it was windy and cold. Going the other way, it go very hot.
I actually started while it was still light out, around 5:45 PM. The plan was an easy 12 neighborhood miles. I started by going down to the school and across to the other neighborhood. I begin with the usual short loop, but then added some of the older sections as well. My dinner had not quite settled yet, so I did feel slow and sluggish in the early going. It was good to get through the first two miles.
This beginning had some hills. By the time I finally finished this short loop plus the addition, it was dark and I was around 3.5 miles. I headed out for the main loop.
There were some dog walkers out. I had on my headlamp, but that got too sweaty. I carried it in my hand instead. Running into the wind was a challenge. It was chilly too.
I went around and did the shortish loop out here. That's about 1.5 miles. I ran it in the normal direction. I finished this part up at about 5.5 miles. It was a mixed blessing. This distance did go by quickly, but I couldn't believe I wasn't even halfway done.
I just continued on out. I went up the long hill. Then, it was over and into the other neighborhood. This had the steepest hill. I passed another dog walker. I wasn't feeling great, but not terrible either. I was at 7.5 miles shortly after heading back into the main loop.
I just tried to focus on each mile. I knew getting to mile 9 would be good. I plugged away slower. The lower legs were recovered pretty well with two days off, but the quads were bothering me now.
I looked at my watch when I got to what would've been mile 2 of the Blue Eagle 5K course. I was at 8.7 miles and would get back at 9.7 miles. I cruised passed some more dog walkers and on to mile 9.
Shortly before that, my headlamp had died. I had to be careful when cars came around. It was a good thing I wore a yellow jacket though. I guess I was pretty visible. Most of the way back the wind was at my back.
These last couple miles sure were a struggle. I got back to the school and to the old course finish line at 9.75 miles. I should've just run around the school without my headlamp working, but I didn't feel like looping around there much.
I went behind the school and was thinking about going in the other neighborhood. Then, a creature ran across in front of me. I couldn't see it, but in case maybe it was a skunk, I decided to turn around.
I looped around the front of the school twice. That got me near the final mile. I decided to go into my neighborhood and do a loop there to finish up. It was a little windy there heading into the wind, but good coming back.
The red light on my headlamp still worked, so I could see distance. I got back to my house and needed a little more. I did the shortest loop around the block and finished up over 12 miles.
My legs and back were a bit sore, but it was a good run. I'm happy any time I can get double digit miles. I just love night running so much more too. I've built up a lo the last couple weeks, so it will be good to back off a bit this week.
I'd like to get on some trails tomorrow, but who knows. I'd love to go somewhere new. If I didn't have to work, that would help a lot with that. If not, I'd have to get my butt moving in the afternoon. I'm rarely good with that.
12.05 miles - 1:48:25 (9:00 pace) 280 feet of elevation gain
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