Change of Place

Weather in Texas has been amazing!  Windows open, sun shining, perfect fall weather.  Meaning perfect running weather.

I was bound and determined to get in a 20 mile run this month.  I had been extremely discouraged with not getting long runs in the last few weekends and not being able to find races that fit my schedule.  Now everything is falling into place!

I had asked my friend Lauren if she wanted to meet up for a run, she said sure and that she was only good for 3-4 miles.  Lauren recommended a place in Arlington that was located between us.  River Legacy Park.  I had never been, but I will DEFINITELY be back!  It was gorgeous and scenic, tons of trees lining the paved trail.  The only downside was there wasn't a lot of water fountains, so you should carry your own water.

I got there early and was able to get in 4.8 miles prior to Lauren showing up.  All of those miles were from 8:58 - 9:13 pace.  Nice and easy.  Met her at the cars and we took off and she ended up doing a 10K with me.  The first mile was a 10:20 as she was warming up and messing with her music/iPod.  The next 5 were all at 9:51 - 10:04 pace.  That got me to a total of 11 miles.

Once I set back out on my own, I was still feeling good and I just ran by feel.  The goal was to be under 3:15 which meant I had to finish all the miles at around a 10:00 pace.  First was 9:23 and the next two were at 9:13.  At that point, I wanted to be under 3:10.  Next mile was 9:07 and that last miles were all 9:01 or under.  it was about mile 18 that I started to feel tired and had to put my mind to it and WORK. 

PERFECT RUN! 20 miles in 3:07:32 (9:22 pace).

Next several weekends:
Oct 27 - Rock N Roll - St. Louis half
Nov 3 - DRC half (+ 5-7 miles)
Nov 10 - Fort Worth 20 miler

After today I am feeling so much better about my running and about all the marathons (eek) I have coming up!  I can do this!!!!!