Long run Sunday - (42/84)

Thanks Dean!!!
I have to say that off the top. In the last week I was starting to get some jitters and thinking that I had made a horrible mistake in signing up for a half marathon. Then I read Dean's book. It really helped to read about someone else training and working toward nearly impossible goals. I found the descriptions of his training and how much he loves running and just getting out there to really help with my jitters and I feel much more ready to take on the challenge.

Before my run I was sore and my knee was hurting, but I figured that with a day as nice as it was it would just be plain wrong not to take advantage. We get so few nice days in the spring in Iowa that I wanted to get out and run no matter how I felt after yesterday's race. I started off the run feeling pretty sore and my knee bothered me for the first 4 miles or so. After the 5th mile and a PowerGel I kind of settled into a rhythm and managed to truck along to mile 9. I took a bit of a walk break before starting to run for the last couple of miles. I felt ok considering that I ran a race yesterday. I figure if I can run under 12 minute miles the day after a race, I am good to go for the half marathon. I think we're good to go, so now I need to maintain fitness for the next couple of weeks.

Run Report:
Mile 1: 10:49
Mile 2: 10:41
Mile 3: 11:05
Mile 4: 10:49
Mile 5: 11:46
Mile 6: 14:10
Mile 7: 12:39
Mile 8: 11:20
Mile 9: 13:14
Mile 10: 12:56
Mile 11: 9:46

That's about it for this week. We'll get back to the running next week and try to keep lifting. I need to take care of my left knee and ice it as well.

See you on the roads folks!
Alex