18 Mile Long Run

Distance: 18:11 Miles
Duration: 2:55:05
Average Pace Per Mile:9:40
Weather: When I started my run it was 33 degrees. Wind = 2 mph. When I finished my run the temp had dropped to 31 degrees. Wind = 3 mph. My face and hands were freezing.


I had a lot going on today, so I wanted to start my 18 mile run first thing in the morning. I set my alarm for 4 am and had pre-cooked my breakfast the night before. There for a while, I was on an english muffin with egg kick, well now it's an egg with flaxseed bread wrap. Any-who: I was hoping to be running by 4:15 am. Well, the alarm went off and I came up with every excuse why I should stay in bed. The bed is warm. I ran so hard this week already, I even did 2 speedwork sessions. I deserve a break. It's freaking COLD outside. I finally convinced myself, "If you miss this run, you will regret it." That's what got up and moving. Sometimes getting out of bed is the hardest part of a workout, but I did it. By 4:30 am I was running.

I did something different this time. Since it was so early, I decided to start my run on the treadmill. I ran on it for 6 miles, so by 5:30 am I was ready to complete my run outside. Only 12 more miles to go. Even by that time, it was still dark, but I ran through the neighborhood and ran to a well-lit track. I circled the track and covered another 5 miles. Finally, the sun was rising. I headed in the direction of the trail for an in out --- back to the house.

So here is what I think about treadmill running, followed by running outside:
Running on the treadmill felt like I was putting so much effort into it, which is funny because I ran at a 0 incline the entire duration. When I went outside to run, I ran faster and it seemed easier even with the hills. I won't run every long run like this (treadmill and then run outside), but sometimes you have to be creative when trying to fit a three hour long run into your busy weekend. I know my family appreciates me being home at a reasonable time. I love coming home from a long run and seeing Trey and Cheyenne in bed, still dressed in their PJ's.

Splits. Starting at Mile 7.
Mile 7       9:38
Mile 8       9:29
Mile 9       9:27
Mile 10     9:11
Mile 11     9:11
Mile 12     9:21
Mile 13     9:18
Mile 14     9:37
Mile 15     10:43
Mile 16     10:02
Mile 17     10:43
Mile 18     9:14

Bring on the taper!