Cool and sunny morning this morning with little wind – perfect running conditions. Grabbed a small bottle of water and headed out to do a scheduled 13.1 mile run. I was a bit concerned that the run would fall apart as I had to fight a flu yesterday – massive headache and stomach issues. Luckily that seems to have all been sorted out.
Run was going beautifully and at about mile 6 I had the option to head south to complete a 9.1 mile loop and then finish out my planned run with a 4.4 mile lap around the neighborhood or to head out on a nature trail instead that started very close to where I was. I figured I could out and back on that trail for about another 4 miles and then be back where I was before to complete the original loop giving me 13.1 with a lot less road and sidewalk running and with better views.
I opted for the trail…and apparently my memory of how long that trail is ended up being kind of faulty. I thought for sure it was only a couple miles out and then a couple back…instead it was 4.15 miles each way. At about 3 miles down the trail I was getting a bit concerned as my water was running out but curiosity got the best of me at that point because I really wanted to know how bloody long that trail really was.
So by the time I got back to the place where I made the decision I was over the 15 mile mark and knew I had 3+ miles to go. I hadn’t brought liquid or fuel for that long of a run so I was rationing and ran out about this point. Obviously I was starting to slow down fairly well here and adding walk breaks. Luckily the trail went by through a nature conservatory and at about mile 17 where I was able to refill my water bottle (a couple times) at their main store / restaurant building so I at least had water to finish out the run!
Walked for a bit to let the water settle and then ran decent to finish things off with a total of 18.2 miles in 2:54:50 – not the fastest ever but, considering the shape I was in yesterday and the fact that I did not bring enough water with me for that long a run, it was a solid run and I am happy with how I did.
Now at this point in my training plan I switch things up a bit as I start Dopey Challenge training for January 2015. The runs shift from T-W-T and S-S to T and T-F-S-S to practice running 4 days in a row as will need to be done for the Dopey Challenge.
I would say at this point that my summer maintenance program was a success and I can be pretty confident going into my next race on September 21st (Fort Garry Rotary Club Half Marathon)!
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