Running a Double

Yep, I did that on Saturday.  I ran a double which I have never ever done before.  Guess what?  It wasn't too bad and I could see myself doing it again at some point in the future.  Guess what else?  I won't be doing it anytime soon though!

I ran 8 miles Saturday morning per my plan.  I took it pretty easy and finished in 1:14.  Because I overslept and Drew had to leave at 7am for a choir retreat I only had time to run 4.35 miles outside.  I came home and quickly hopped on the treadmill.    My mile times outside were 9:19, 9:07, 9:13, 9:14, and 9:05 pace for last .35 mile.  I changed my treadmill pace to be between 9:13 and 8:41 strictly for variety.  Basically it was a pretty evenly paced run for a 9:13 average.

I decided around 9:30 that I was going to run a double.  I am really sick of running in the dark.  I am really ready for the time change!  So, I focused all day on hydrating well and eating the right foods.  I also took about a 15 minute nap.  I had hoped for longer, but my kiddos felt the need to continue waking me....annoying, but I was the only parent at home!

At 5pm I left for my 10 mile run. I figured I would run 10 minute miles and just take it easy.  It was not hot or humid.  It was pretty windy at times.  I was able to listen to music.  I was just planning on enjoying the run....no pressure!  I was totally shocked when my watched beeped at mile 1 in 9:10.  Wow, it did not hurt and I just continued to focus on staying comfortable.  My mile splits were 9:10, 9:11, 9:17, 9:08, 9:09, 9:24, 9:20, 9:08, 9:08, 9:08, and 8:22 pace for last .6 mile.   My two slowest miles were directly into the wind for most of those miles.  It felt a little brutal at times. 

I ran 10.6 miles faster than I ran 8 miles just that morning. My average pace was 9:09.  I was totally shocked.  I was tired at the end, but decided it was then the time to push instead of backing off the pace.  I won't feel fresh at the end of the marathon.  I worked hard to get close to marathon pace (hopeful pace) and I did.  I was pretty happy when I got home!

I have not run at all for two days.  I am back at it tomorrow.  I feel ready!  I have a big week of running.  It is perhaps my biggest week of running ever and I am nervous and excited.  Tuesday is 4 miles, Wednesday is 6 miles, Thursday I will run 10x800's, a 9 miler on Saturday, and 20 miles on Sunday.  Yikes!

There is a lot riding on my sprints on Thursday. I am half way to my second marathon.  That means I only have 8 more weeks of serious running to be goal ready.  It is now time to go big or go home and I really mean it!  I am all in for this!

My coach told me that I am "strong and capable" but "have to be smart".  Now is the time!