9 Mile Marathon Training Run

Tawnya Smith and I after 5 miles

Today I had a fabulous training run.  I ran 9 miles in 1:50:25 minutes.  I’m also caught back up to the training schedule.  I awoke at 5:20am and ate a whole grain bagel/turkey/diet Coke.  I had a banana at 6:50 and embarked on my run at 7:00am.  I was surprised to find there were other joggers out there with me so early on Labor Day.  I said good morning to at least 4 joggers before running into Tawnya Smith around mile 2.  Tawnya and I attended the same Couch to 5K class years ago.  We decided to jog together so the miles 2 through 5 just flew by. 

Cooling down after 9 miles in Jennings Nature Park

I’m thrilled I finally seem to have turned a corner on my mental attitude about the weather and running.  The heat and humidity have made it more or a chore than a pleasure.  The humidity was still 88 percent today but at least it was only 60 degrees.  It helps getting out there early. The sun was also playing peek-a-boo with the clouds occasionally. 

Last night I reread a passage in Hal Higdon’s Marathon Training Guide.  At the time I highlighted it, I’m sure I was running much slower.  Possibly 14 minute miles.  I’ve come a long way in 6 months.