Half Marathon Accomplished

Well, it was a long run today. I had my 13 miles and I decided a week ago that I would do 13.1 to say that I ran a half marathon. And, I did it. I left at 7AM and returned 9:30AM. It was a great day to run. The weather was as close to perfect as I would have liked it. A bit breezy but I really needed it during the run. It was in the low 70's and and mostly sunny. The waves on the Lake were very large and the water looked rough. In fact, I believe the life guards had yellow flags out today for the rip tide and rough waters.

I thought if I left at 6AM no one would be out there. By the time I was ready to go 7:00 popped up. I am amazed at how many people are running that early in the morning. It was a busy day on the trail. There were lots of running groups that I passed and that passed me. It feels so weird to have 9 strangers engulf me while I was running. I kept reminding myself that this is nothing compared to the race in October. I even drafted a little bit behind a group. My pace has become pretty slow. 11.5 minute miles today. I consciencely made the effort to slow my pace down since it is about endurance and the training sites recommend going about a minute slower then your normal pace on your long runs. It was harder on my knees to not go as fast but I didn't feel winded at all during my run. I just felt tired and my knees and feet hurt around 11 miles to the end. I need new running socks and shoes, that is for sure. My shoes are trail running shoes and I need something with more shock in the balls of my feet and no more slipping around inside. My poor big toenail(s) look dark and dreary. They are still pretty good with color but I can see the trauma starting to take its toll.

So it has been six hours since I got back and I feel like I am in need of a serious nap. I iced my knees and ankles when I got back but the balls of my feet can use some serious TLC. Next weekend, I am to run a measly 10 miles for my long run. I think I am going to do it on Friday before I leave for my girls weekend in Minneapolis. I would hate to take away from all the girl fun by running 10 miles in the morning by myself. Then on Saturday we are going for pedicures. This will be a way to thank my feet for being so good to me for these past few months. :) And hopefully, the TLC will make them feel and look better.