11 Mile Saturday....whew

Slept in a bit to try and catch up on my sleep. I might have gained on the sleep demon a little bit...so that is good. Got out the door around 9. It was still pretty darn cold outside. But that is the best way for me to do my runs....

I was the most nervous I had been in awhile about this run. Apart....6 miles and then 11 miles isn't really a huge deal...one day apart with no rest though...it takes its toll a little. Today would live up to those concerns.

The first couple of miles where a little tight in my body. I tried not to push at all and just let the legs move like they wanted to. My left shoulder had some pain...which usually comes towards the end of my run...but it only stayed those first two miles.

I made an effort to not look at m watch and not focus on tempo. I told myself I wouldn't look until I reached the top of my big hill at 7.7 miles. When I looked down, my pace was 9 minutes and 58 seconds. I was very pleased that not really pushing mysef...and even very very tired...I was still keeping a nice pace for myself. The legs were very tired and sore...but I just kept churrning.

The last two miles is when I like to try to push a bit...and I attempted to today with mixed results. I was able to keep the tempo pretty high...but I definitely had some stomach issues that tend to arise when I push hard. The last mile was very difficult...I took a different street to make sure I got the 11 miles in and there was a lot of uphill and ice. It made for some strenous effort.

I don't have my watch with me...but I remember my pace being 9 minute and 44 second miles....considering that I wasn't paying attention the first 8 miles I am quite pleased. The legs hurt and I am very tired...but it felt like I accomplished something today. Thanks for reading!