Week 9: Nine and a half miles

2:35 hours, 30:60 second run/walk ratio

Today's run was one of those runs. I got a late start, the weather was stifling, my stomach was wonky, and I was really, really glad when it was over. It was supposed to be cloudy today, so I was hoping for some shade, knowing I was going to be out there for over two hours, but none of the clouds ever came between me and the sun. It was probably close to 90 degrees, without a bit of shade. I felt like I was flirting with heat exhaustion by the time I was done, despite drinking plenty of water and pouring water over my head now and then. And I forgot to put on sunscreen before I left this morning.

I made bathroom stops at 4 and 7 miles, but stopped my watch while I was off the trail. I got a good start, with 1:01 at 4 miles, but had a hard time getting back into the groove after stopping. It was just so hot. I ate my last two Clif Shot Bloks at 4 and 8 miles. Must get some more! Maybe they were hard on my stomach, especially since they're so old and the package has been opened for a while now.

I ended up walking the last half-mile, because I was starting to feel pretty wrung out. Considering how awful I felt for the last half of my run, I still did a pretty darn good time, averaging about 16.5 minute miles.

One good thing: my shoulders and neck didn't get sore, like they have on previous long runs. Yay pushups!

Just after I got home, the sky clouded over and we were pounded with thunderstorms for about an hour and a half. And now it's nice and cool. Oh well. I got my 9.5 miles in!