10 + miles run today (the goal was 9 miles)

Today's goal was a 9 mile run.  I went to bed at 10pm last night so that I could be well rested.  The rest worked.  I finished up the workout with over 10 miles.

As I was getting ready this morning my kids asked to run with me.  That is music to my ears.  After all, part of the idea for working out and getting in shape is to be a role model for my children.

We warmed up in the driveway and then headed out.  I was impressed.  The little guys ran 1/3 of a mile with me!  I took them back into the house and then headed out to the local forest preserve for my 9 mile run (4.5 miles out and then back again).

My 9 miler was good.  I stayed focused, was rested and was dressed just right for the cool temperature.  The wind didn't pick up until the return leg of my run and at times it was at my back and other times I ran against it.

I felt good by the time I got home.  When I walked in the door it turned out the older kids wanted to run too.  So, being the good father that I am, I took them out for a 1.15 mile run around the neighborhood.

And that run put me over the 10 mile mark!

I feel great, and I know it is a blessing to be able to be this active.  I'm so glad I decided to get back in shape!

I've crossed into the realm of double digit runs - 10 miles done!

I successfully completed my planned 10 mile run this morning!  It was hard, but not as hard as I imagined it would be.

My previous long run was 7.5 miles which I completed a few weeks ago.  My half marathon training plan called for a 9 mile run today with next week being a 10 mile run.  I decided to go for the 10 miles this week for a couple of reasons.  First, I felt like I was up for it.  Second, I am going to be visiting my in-laws next week and I had doubts about trying to do my first double digit run outside of familiar surroundings.  It was a good call.

Besides the increased miles, today's run was tougher than the 7.5 mile run a few weeks ago for several other reasons.  The 2.5 mile circuit in my neighborhood starts of with a steep hill and then a long downhill stretch and then a few other shorter hills throughout the route.  The 7.5 mile was done at a nearby forest preserve and it was flat all the way through.  Today the temperature as easily 20 degrees warmer.  This morning it was about 70 degrees when I started my run and it got hotter as the 2 hour run progressed.  Two weeks ago it was very cool out at about 50 degrees and maybe a 5 degree warm up over the course of that 1.5 hour run.

I took the advice of some friends who run (much longer distances than me) and placed a water bottle by my house.  My 2.5 mile circuit brings me by the house each time.  I stopped for a drink of water after 5 miles and then again after 7.5 miles.  In addition to the hills and heat, the repetitiveness of running laps - even long 2.5 mile versions - did make the run less engaging and therefore a bit harder.

I'm over 1 month away from the half marathon (11/27/10).  I'm considering changing my training schedule so that I do a "step-down" run every other week.  Right now I'm to run two long runs and then a shorter run on my weekly long run days.  It was easy to do 6 miles and then 7.5 miles.  I'm not sure it will be as easy to do 11 or more miles next Saturday.  I'm tinkering with the idea of running 8 miles next week and then moving up to 11 miles the week after.  I'll still do a 12.5 to 13 mile run two weeks before the race using this modified schedule.

I feel good!
______________________________________________

This afternoon I found this interesting article on the Runner's World website about 10-milers:  10 Reasons to Run 10 Miles.  It was a good read.

Next up: 10 Miler!

Tomorrow morning I'm going for a 10 mile run.  I've never run double-digit miles.  I'm ready.

Instead of running in the forest preserve, I'm going to run 4 laps in my neighborhood (with each one being 2.50 miles).  I expect it to take 2 hours (or a bit more).

I'm running in the neighborhood because I'm slightly nervous about this distance.  I ran 7.5 miles two weeks ago and it was fine, but there is something about the "1-0" number together that concerns me.  By running in the neighborhood I'll be able to be close to home in the event I don't feel well.

The run will be harder because there are some up and down hill stretches.  The forest preserve, by comparison, is very flat.  When I get this run finished I'll feel a lot more confident about my ability to do the half marathon in November!