I had off, but couldn't find my MICROspikes. That was too bad, because I wanted to go to Jim Thorpe. Instead, I opted to run in the dark after supper. The original plan was 12 miles, but then I cut that back to 8-10 miles. That is still a long way for me to go now.
The temperature was in the mid 40s. I wore shorts and my shell on top. I had on gloves, but they didn't last long. My thighs did a get a little leg burned.
I went to the neigbhorhoods across the street. I started with my usual loop first, but opted to change it up a little bit this time. I went into an older neighborhood section that I rarely run. That would give me more distance and a decent hill. Then, I added another part of the normal loop and this was another hill too.
My legs didn't start off initially too bad, but they were toast pretty early on. Yesterday's 8 miles took their toll. My legs were already losing it during these early loops, even 2.5 miles in. By 3.5 miles, I was struggling a lot. My pace really didn't slip.
I saw a couple walkers. I was surprised they had no lights. I had my headlamp, but it started to flicker, which I think means it was dieing. I turned it off and only used it when a car was coming. The snow and houses provided plenty of light.
I encountered a bunch of dogs too. Luckily, I know where they are by now. I also know they won't leave their yards. I still looked back as I passed anyway. I also had to fix my shoe and the pad on my toe early on.
Before the main loop, I did the smaller loop that I normally do. I hit mile 5 and could not believe my legs would have another 5 miles in them. I just kept moving though, trying to be consistent. As long as I didn't slip more by miles 7 and 8, I'd be okay.
I then headed on to the main loop. The gradual uphills were a bear for me. Downhills weren't too bad. I wasn't going to add the short mile loop across the road. However, I knew if I did, I'd get around 10 miles.
This has the steepest hill of them all. I cruised up it and it was difficult, but I was over 7 miles now. It was nice to get to 7.5 miles and realize that I was 3/4 of the way done. By now, I knew I'd finish too, as I didn't feel any worse than I had earlier.
I had several more hills too go. Coming back into the main loop was the longest hill. This one always gets me. I then had another gradual hill. After that, I had about 1.5 miles left. There was a nice downhill coming.
Another short hill came and I knew I had about a mile left. I would be very close to getting done with 10 miles. There was some nice flat for awhile. It was great to be in the final mile now.
I headed up the final hill and looped around. I was nearing the school and nearing 10 miles. I ran around the school lot for the final tenth of a mile or so. I was frustrated to see my watch data showing 9.99 miles later on.
I was happy with this productive run. I wouldn't say it was fun, but not too boring either. I love running at night much more. I should just do it more often. It makes the neighborhoods and pavement more tolerable.
I ran 18 miles last week and in two days, I already have 18 miles this week. Tomorrow, I'm hoping for that Jim Thorpe run/hike. I bet Glen Onoko Falls are great with snow. The snow might be gone soon, as Wednesday there is heavy rain coming. I have to enjoy the snow while I can.
9.99 miles - 1:26:48 (8:41 pace) 223 feet of elevation gain
No comments:
Post a Comment