My First Ten!

Distance: 10 miles
Start time: 10:30 am
Run Duration: 107 minutes
Average Pace: 10.7 minutes/mile
Temperature: 35 degrees
Humidity: 53%
Location: Houston, TX

I waited until the temperature creeped over freezing, put on some light layers, my sunglasses, my tunes and hit the route I'd decided on last week. I knew it was 4.5 miles to the park from my place and then I'd have to run a half mile into the park, turn around and come home. I was a little worried about the things that might happen. I might hurt myself and be stuck "out there" without my car. I might have to go to the bathroom and be stuck "out there". My asthma might flare up and I'd be stuck "out there". Note I said I was a little worried, not enough to keep me from putting in this run - not enough to make me circle Memorial Park 3 times plus another little bit to make 10 miles. The thought of doing that multi-loop workout again makes me not want to run at all. I wanted to be out in the city, out on the street. I wanted to experience the reason I moved to the InnerLoop.

Yes!

What a great run! The sun was pouring down this morning. I took off my gloves at about mile 4 and took off my jacket and tied it around my waist at the half-way turn. I was comfortable and I feel good about next week. My schedule calls for a 4-, a 3-, and a 2-mile run. That's it! Next Sunday brings the Half-Marathon. I'm so glad I stuck with this program. Even though my right knee is making me aware of its existence, I think I'll make it through just fine. Today's run was a far cry from those first weeks of pain and discomfort.

Happy. That's the word of the day.