14 Miles

There was no break last week from running even though I was slightly burned out. When I make it to the marathon on February 20th, I would have trained for 28 weeks. I think for a first time marathoner, I need this long training period but at this point, I am a little tired. Thankfully this week is a step back week of only 22 miles, with a long run of only 6 miles. Yipee!

But first was Saturday and my first distance beyond 13.1. I had 14 miles on the schedule, so I headed out to the American Tobacco Trail. I love and hate this trail. For starters, its not all paved. Most of the trail is crushed gravel and it starts to wear on my knees. Secondly, I swear the damn trail is uphill both ways. Not significantly uphill, more like a gradual incline, but still. I remember thinking running out my 7 miles that it wouldn't be that bad coming back since it felt like I was running uphill, but it was.

I ended up averaging 9:55 minutes per mile. If I could run 10:00 minute miles for the marathon, I would be ESTATIC. I realize that 14 miles is hell and gone from 26.2, but I was still happy with my performance.

This week is a 5K on Thanksgiving Day and Ashley is doing a mile run as well. Looking forward to running and eating on Thursday....