Sunday's Long Run

I ran 12 miles today!! Now that I am getting into the longer distances I am really having to think about where I am going to run. I decided for today's run I would go and explore on the trails down by Franklin Farm Rd. It took me 3 miles to get to the road. Thankfully (after the late start) it remained overcast as there are no trees for shade along Reston Parkway. Soon after turning onto Franklin Farm Rd there are some nice paved trails. I paid attention at the intersections so I would know how to get back! Interesting, I still did not get back the same way as I never came across the "y" again. They were some very nice trails with friendly people out walking.

I was able to maintain for the majority of the run a 2 mile: 0.1 mile run:walk ratio. Around 7.6 miles I had to walk to eat some Shot Bloks. These are great for mid-run energy boots. I was so thirsty I drained my water bottle but came across a gas station where I filled it up again.

I am learning what my current mental blocks are and more importantly what to do to overcome these. My main method is to run out 1/2 the distance of my run because then I have to run home the other half. (If my run is supposed to be 10 miles I run out 5.1 miles and then turn around and run the other 4.9 back). Today I ended back by the house at 11.2 miles and contemplated stopping. But then I decided I would be annoyed with myself for giving up, especially because I was not (surprising) dying at that point. I definitely feel better for finishing my last mile.

In March I did a 9 mile run that took me an 1hr 46 minutes. Today to go the same distance I was about 10 minutes faster!!! My average heart rate was lower and I did not have to walk nearly as much! (I love that I can upload my info into my computer and see my progress!) I think I need to start using Body Glide on my arms as I have some chafing from my skin rubbing on my shirt/sports bra.

Today's Run:
Distance: 12 miles
Total Time: 2 hours 9 minutes
Average Pace: 10:42
Average Heart Rate: 169
Max Heart Rate: 181
Calories Burned: 1770
Walk Breaks: 6

For lunch we headed to Chipotle and were surprised to learn the Calories were lower than expected. My Steak Fajita Burrito with Guacamole came to 1020 calories! (I was only able to eat 1/2 my burrito as the tiredness started to kick in so this means I still have the other 1/2 to enjoy!) Chipotle Nutrition Calculator: Now we wonder, when they calculate the total calories, do they take into consideration how much you burn just eating this humungous thing?

Time to enjoy my personal concert (as Matt & Matt are jammin') and get some grad work done.