I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. I built it up in my head as a day that would be a huge milestone for me, and it totally fulfilled that expectation. For some reason, 10 miles, TEN MILES, is so much more than nine miles.
When I mapped out my original training plan, I arranged for three runs per week, including one long run. My long runs increased a half mile or a mile per week, and I made sure not to increase my mileage by more than 15% each week. Despite my meticulous planning, I noticed my right hip was starting to feel sore at about mile six on my long runs. Figuring that perhaps my hip was simply not strong enough, I started doing more strength training and also stretched more each time. However, when I attempted my first 10-mile run for the first time in early November, I had to stop at mile eight and walk the rest of the way. I was feeling sharp pain and was worried I was going to seriously injure myself. I took off a few days and made an appointment with physical therapist.
The physical therapist was very thorough in her assessment and concluded that my entire right side is tighter and stiffer than my left. She stretched me out a ton, and told me to stretch for a long time before and after each run. To my surprise and delight, this actually seemed to work! I did lose some long runs in there, though, and I’ve had to build back up. Now, my half marathon is only a week and a day away, and the longest I’ve ever run is 10 miles (as of today!).
In the past, my hip has been sore even on a 3 mile run. But today, I felt little soreness until late in the run, and no sharp pain! At the end of the run, my whole lower half felt sore, but not injury sore, just flat-out sore. I’m so happy!
Often when I’m on a long run, I can just feel that it’s going to be a great run. Today was one of those days. Even though I haven’t made an epic running playlist like I’ve wanted to, I was still feeling the old songs and my legs were light and carrying me. It was overcast with a gentle cool breeze from the ocean. Basically your perfect running conditions.
The miles just ticked by. I didn’t even have to constantly check the Garmin or talk myself through any of it, until mile 8 or so. What’s more, I went faster than ever before on a long run.
Here are my official stats:
Total time: 1:50:43
Average Pace: 11:04/mi
Mile 1 – 9:58
Mile 2 – 10:42
Mile 3 – 10:23
Mile 4 – 11:56 –> .05 walk, stretched, ate 1/2 shot blok
Mile 5 – 10:28
Mile 6 – 12:23 –> .05 walk, stretched, ate 1/2 shot blok
Mile 7 – 10:32
Mile 8 – 12:07 –> .05 walk, stretched, ate 1 shot blok
Mile 9 – 10:51
Mile 10 – 11:17
I love it when you’re at the end of a run, and the perfect song comes along and just pushes you right through the end. This time, that song was “Top of the World” by the Dixie Chicks. It’s a relatively slow song, but has an incredibly powerful end.
I finished strong, with a small sprint at the end, and the bliss flowed through me. There’s nothing like the pride that comes with accomplishing something you never thought you could.
I always find myself looking up at the sky during the sprint, with the purest of JOY pulsing through my body. I am so grateful that I started running. That I got over the initial fears or thoughts of “I’m not built like a runner” or that “I’ve never been an athlete”. As I grew up, I had a picture in my mind of who I was, and I was not good at sports. This just proves that all you have to do is put your mind to it and you can change anything.
So many bloggers have posed in this somewhat dorky, trying-not-to-look-like-jazz-hands way, and I have to admit, I was super excited to do it too.
Please forgive the crappy photo quality. That would be my old camera and self timer action combined.
I believe the next few photos document my happiness…
And maybe also my sheer surprise…10 miles?! Whaaa?
And the happy dance…
My first ten-miler also marks the debut of a little friend named Chase chafe. Oh, how nice to meet you.
Like I said, running ten miles is a huge milestone for me. And at the end, panting and smiling, all I could think was… I can’t wait until I run 11.
I love that about running…there’s always something to reach for. And believe me, I’ll be reaching.
I am so proud of you! That is so awesome! Thank you for sharing your accomplishments, they’re very inspirational. I can’t wait to see all of your other breakthroughs and all the places you’ll go (run). Love ya sis!
Yay!!!! This is so awesome!
Annie, this is incredible. Way to go! You are an athlete with dedication, perseverance,
Strength and joy. I loved reading about how much joy you feel because of running.