My 6 Mile Victory

When I got up this morning, I KNEW I was going to run. But I didn't know how far I would run. I was scheduled to run 4 miles but the 6 miles scheduled for tomorrow was really on my mind. Could I do it? It's been so long since I've gone that far. At first I thought I would go out 2 miles and come home, take a drink, then go back out a mile and come back to make six miles. Sounds good. But was I REALLY going to go back out once I got home? I think NOT! I know myself. lol So the next plan was just do the scheduled 4 miles. Then I had the dilemma of whether I needed to go to the bathroom or not. lol I felt like I did, but then I didn't. So I waited about 30 mins. Still had that feeling. Nope! It was getting late and I needed to leave.

Out the door I went! Ran through town and then finally I was on my favorite country road still wondering if I needed to go. lol It's beautiful out there with lots of trees and even more corn, soybeans and wide open spaces. I had a friendly breeze from the S-SW to keep me cool. And it made the best white noise rustling through the trees and the corn. I never even turned on my shuffle it was so nice. At one point, a great big hawk flew out of a tree right over my head. I love hawks!

Once I got to the 2 mile point, I knew I wasn't turning back. I would keep going. I knew where the 2.5 mile mark was but would have to estimate the extra .5 mile it would take to make the 6 mile round trip. And do you know what? I got it right! I went back out in the van afterward to make sure. I was just a tad over. I continuously ran 6 miles in 1hr 9mins 48 secs! And now THAT long run is behind me. I feel really good. My pace was 11:37 which is OK considering that I know it will improve. I can't wait to see how the extra mileage over the last few weeks is going to affect my 5K time this coming Sat. at the Rotary Ramble/Dutchfest in Demotte! I think it's going to be a "good for me" time!

Just a funny side note: During the last few miles I started thinking about a Christmas song from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be walking out the door.... I replaced out the door with in the door. lol

My friend Lori is doing speed work at the track tonight! She's carbing up today. That's some rough work. But I just know she is going to do well. : )