I was so dreading today's run!!!! As I stated in a previous post, I had to switch around some runs..... and today, Monday, was my long run that would have been ran on Sunday. I usually run my long run with a group of other runners which makes the time zoom by.... but today, I had to conquer the 16 miles on the training plan SOLO!!!! I just knew that it would be mentally challenging to keep my memento going... but surprisingly, the run was not as bad as I anticipated! YAY!
It was a cold run!!! Temps like in the 30s I think!!! That is freezing for these neck of the woods!!!! I attempted to take a picture of the frost on the ground, however, you can't see it like in person..... trust me, frost was EVERYWHERE!!!
BREAK DOWN OF RUN: 16.01 miles at an average 9:30 pace
MILE 1- 10:33 Mile 9- 9:28
Mile 2- 9:46 Mile 10- 9:09
Mile 3- 9:23 Mile 11- 9:20
Mile 4- 9:17 Mile 12- 9:39
Mile 5- 9:25 Mile 13- 9:42
Mile 6- 9:08 Mile 14- 9:29
Mile 7- 9:14 Mile 15- 9:32
Mile 8- 9:15 Mile 16- 9:31
Overall, a great run! Might have pushed the pace a bit, and should slow down a bit in the future... but I think the cold put a little pep in my step!
Due to running solo, I started later than what the running group does on Sundays just because I am too chicken to run in the dark solo!! LOL! But, even in the daylight, I carried my pepper spray... just in case! One of the great benefits of running a little later, I was able to take in my surroundings that I normally don't, all because I am listening to the running group's conversations, and plus it is really dark usually!!! The above picture is the local university, Valdosta State University.
The above and the below photo are pics of the downtown area in Valdosta..... quite charming, especially this alley way :D
In South Georgia, there are trees that have moss on them..... some of the trees branch out over the side walks..... you have to be alert or this stuff hits you right in the face..... this has happen way to often to me!!!
You can't really see the moss I speak of in the above picture, so I included the below pic that you can see it clearly....
And, I have awesome friends.... I received text messages from some of my friends and then my friend, Toni, left this note on my windshield of my car....... at first, I must admit, I thought it was a parking ticket!! LOL!!! After I realized it wasn't a ticket, I smile and felt thankful that I have many people pulling for me and keeping me motivated.
So, after completing my run, I made a stop at a grocery store to pick up a few things....... I passed a Lays chip display that showed the bags of chips were buy one and get one free..... and also the heart shape little Debbie cakes were out.... My hubby loves these.... so I picked them up. Just then, the coach that designed my Marathon training plan showed up..... oh, and he took notice of my buggy!! LOL!!! Oops!! But, I promise everything was for my husband!!! I am a cupcake kind of girl! :D
The coach was no where to be found once I put some healthier food choices in the buggy.... so, you better believe, I emailed the below photo to him!! HA! HA!