I was determined to get to 60 miles for the week. That meant a tough 13 miles today. I love the mental games I play. I didn't feel that up for running, so I was trying to find the best place to run. I thought about loops and even multiple out and backs. Pavement vs. stone was another issue. In the end, I decided on the D&L from Cove Road. I love that section.
It was kind of perfect running weather. It was a little under 60 degrees and a little cloudy. I went with shorts and a short sleeve shirt. I didn't like my shorts much and ended up chafing.
I started off heading north. I thought I was in big trouble. My right quad was sore and I began by limp running. I clearly had not recovered from last night's run. I decided to just go at it though.
The trail was busy today. Mostly, it was people on bikes. There were a few dog walkers though. The start is tough because it goes uphill slightly.
Normally, I like this route, but it was tough today. The scenery is great, but it was hard to focus on that. My soreness was so uncomfortable. Getting to mile 2 even seemed like forever. I did look at some of the rocky cliffs.
I ran past where the horses go. That was around mile 3. I thought about turning there. I figured with my soreness, I might need to break the run into shorter segments. I talked myself into at least another half mile.
I continued on. It was sure a battle. I continued to force myself to keep running each upcoming half mile. I really wanted to get to mile 4. That would get me back at mile 8. I might've done a 5 mile run later in the day if needed.
I got to mile 4 and I don't know if the terrain changed or not. However, I suddenly felt pretty good. I wasn't as sore, I was only chafing. I stopped fixing my pants and that helped me to not have as much rubbing.
Finally, I turned around not far from Slatington. I was at 4.75 miles then. I'd get back at 9.5 miles. Turning around was great, but it was a slow go.
I just had to keep moving. Even getting to mile 6 seemed to take forever. I saw a lot of people from earlier, as we were each heading the other way.
I was happy to get past the horse section. This part seems to be rough on my legs sometimes. Today, it actually wasn't bad. I felt kind of okay now. Getting to mile 8 was important.
I continued to move forward. I was feeling it a bit now though. I started to think I'd only be going 10 miles. This section often beats me up at 10 miles. Sure enough, I felt like I was falling off at mile 9.
I ran back to the car and went on the road a bit. I thought maybe that would help my legs. It wasn't much better. I simply headed out the other way to complete my last half mile.
Then, I got to mile 10. I said to myself just keep going. I didn't want to run later. I ran past the barking dog house. It barked, but wasn't nearby. I was really moving slowly now and struggling.
I continued on. If I could get out 1.75 miles, I'd arrive back at 13 miles. I eventually got to the next trailhead and ran down the road a bit. I turned to head back.
It was very slow coming back. Mile 12 did come though. I looked at the watch over and over and over again. I was hurting and slow for sure. I had to move forward. Finally, I finished up just before the car.
It was a real battle to get through this run. That was especially the case in the last 3 miles. It was good mental training. I was glad to get it done and get to 60 miles for the week.
Although I'm coming off a tough week, I want to keep it going. I might have to work tomorrow, so that could be tricky. I hope I can run 12-16 miles somewhere. It might have to be at night. I also hope I'm recovered by then.
12.99 miles - 1:56:25 (8:58 pace) 270 feet of elevation gain
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