Sunday, August 15, 2010

Long Run

I sat at my computer trying to map out a route that would be over 6 miles, but less than 8.  Click, click, click.  Undo last point, undo last point.  It was a lot of that for 20 minutes.  I've got my easy run, hill run, and tempo run loops all figured out, but the long runs get boring unless you try something different each time.  You need something to keep yourself occupied mentally... like trying to remember where you are supposed to make turns on your just mapped out route.

I mapped 7.5 this evening.  I cut a little off when I actually ran it and ended up with 6.75 miles in 1 hour.  I ran just under 9 minute pace.  I am pretty sure my endorphins kicked in around 5 miles, because that feeling like you can run forever took over and I was running with ease the rest of the way home.  If I knew that was going to happen, I wouldn't have cut the .75 out of my loop.

My goal was to run 6 miles and mission accomplished.  Next week's long run must be over 7 miles to make sure I am making improvement.

5 comments:

The Green Girl said...

Congratulations on getting to that 'place' - I'm sorry you ended up cutting your run shorter than you would have liked.

Johann said...

Nice going! These long runs will really help you improve.

Andrew Opala said...

I haven't met the endorphins yet ... maybe one day ... still struggling with the snot rockets ...

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

It's always nice to find that happy zone when running seems effortless!

Good luck on the 7 miles! I hope you find that zone early.

Anonymous said...

good job on ur long run!

they do get boring sometimes. u do need a different route or something different each time!