Week 7: Nine miles

20:40 sec run/walk ratio
2:21 hours
9.44 miles
15.0 minutes/mile

Good run today, although for some reason I was dreading it. Enough to dream about missing it, and then wake myself up at 6:15 AM with a dream alarm. I almost went ahead and got up, but I was feeling a little tired still and possibly a little contrary, so I went back to bed for another half hour. Did my chores and got ready and headed out early enough to be at Meadowbrook Park by 8 AM.

It was a cool day, a few clouds and a cold breeze, probably around 50 - 55 F. Good running weather! I had gone into Bakersfield earlier this week and bought some new running gear, so I was wearing a new sports bra, running tights and new shoes. I got Nike Free 5.0 shoes—they are awesomely comfortable and my feet felt great all nine miles! I wouldn't normally have started a brand-new pair of shoes on a long-ish run, but my Internet shoes were starting to feel a bit pinchy at the longer miles and I'm familiar enough with the way Nikes fit me to take the chance on them. It worked out fine. The other clothes were good, too. I had thought about getting a long-sleeved running shirt or hoodie, but didn't see any I liked. My arms get a bit chilly on these windy, cold days, but it's too warm to wear a sweatshirt. I might look online for one. Of course, by the time I get one, it will be summer and the cold days will be over!

I strained my back earlier in the week and worried a bit about whether that would bother me on a long run (I'd already found that the midweek runs were fine), but that was fine, too. I did get a twinge once or twice, but nothing that really bothered me.

One more run done!