I've been more of a lurker than a poster here, but I just did my first 13+ mile training run on Sunday! I didn't GPS it, but it was somewhere around 13.25 miles and I finished in 2:38. I have to admit that I'm pretty proud of myself given that I just started running last February and up to this point I'd never run farther than 10 miles. I did learn a lot during this one and thought I'd share in case anyone else is in the same boat...
1. A 30/30 run/walk interval works best for me on long runs at this point. I was pretty much able to maintain that for most of the run with just a few extra walk breaks.
2. I run my best between miles 5-10. My per mile pace was almost a whole minute faster during this part of my run than that of the 5K I ran on Saturday!
3. Body glide, body glide, body glide! I cannot use too much of this stuff on long runs -- I had chaffing from my sports bra and shirt sleeves that started around mile 8. Not fun.
4. I need to remember to check the weather forecast BEFORE heading out for a long run. I also need to remember to take my visor/hat if there is even a slight chance of rain (otherwise rain and sweat run into my eyes and blind me...).
5. I do not particularly like to run in the rain. Well, let me clarify. I don't mind running when its sprinkling -- that's actually kind of refreshing. I do not, however, like carrying around 10 pounds of water logged clothing and a small pond in my shoes while running. I found this out when it started to pour around mile 9. And about 3 miles from home...
6. And most importantly, I CAN run a half marathon and not die! I was pretty achy Sunday evening, but that was all pretty much gone by Monday. I feel great today and am even looking forward to the 4 miler on the schedule for tonight
My real test will be in 2 weeks. I will be braving the arctic tundra like conditions of northern Indiana for my 14 mile run. Okay, well maybe "arctic tundra" is a bit of a stretch, but it will certainly seem like one given that I'm used to running in 60-80 degree weather in NC! LOL!