I'm slow but watch out i'm on my way! by turtlerunner

 I did my long run of 9.33 miles on Saturday. I began with the intent of running 10 miles but due to it raining and a little miscalculation on my part, and the Jeep being ever so close, I stopped at the aforementioned distance.

I was able to jog the first six miles without walking any. I attribute this to staying at a 14 minute pace and bringing some Gatorade to drink along the way. Everyone keeps telling me a 14 minute pace is extremely slow, and I agree, but my goal is to run a 11:30 to 12:00 minute pace during the marathon. From what I have been reading, I am supposed to run at a 2-3 minute pace slower on my "Long runs" than my race day pace. I also am running faster on my Wednesday "speed days." Which are laps at about 1 minute faster than my race day pace.

My course was an out and back at the local park. This course included some running on a track as well. Things worked out well for me in doing this because I ran to the track which was 2.83 miles away from the Jeep. Once I made it to the track I ran laps. I began the laps by running on the outside lanes to the inside ones and the reversing the direction once I reached the lane closest to the middle. This may sound confusing, however, it was nice to count down the laps according to which lane I was in. After the laps I ran back to my Jeep and that is where the rain took it's toll. I had a choice between finishing the 10 miles by taking a loop around my car or going directly to the car and stopping. I chose to reward myself and stop for the day and drink a chocolate milk.

Overall, I am proud because the 9.33 miles is the longest I have run in about 6 years. I actually think I can finish the marathon! I know it is going to be difficult and I welcome the challenges to come. The biggest of which are the Nachos that I am craving.