Since my run in North Miami Beach went so well two weeks ago, I decided to just head out the door and start my warmup. The route I followed runs through a shaded neighborhood, a downtown park, up and down the St. Petersburg Pier, and ends near the downtown airport.
I managed to get out of bed at about 7:15. I was out the door at 7:45. I finished my 1 mile warmup at 8:02.
I start running and feel pretty good. I’m running mostly downhill, cruising past homes and other people walking on the sidewalk. I make a right turn and head into a shaded neighborhood. I run through the twisting streets and jog across a bridge. Making a left, I run along the water to a waterfront park. I pass the two mile mark in about 19 minutes. I’m getting tired as I run past a group of cyclists. I jog through the park, trying to get to at least the 5K mark. I make 3 miles and take a walk break.
After a quarter mile of walking, I start running again, with the goal of making the 5 mile point. I make it another quarter mile before walking again. I’m on the St. Petersburg Pier now. I reach the end and start back down the other side. I start running again. This time, I make it three quarters of a mile, stopping at a fountain commemorating the 10 mile record set in 1997. I dip my hat in the fountain and dump some water over my head.
I start running again, cross the street and run alongside the airport, finally reaching the halfway mark. I turn and walk back to the fountain. I dip my hat once again, then run my way to the 6 mile mark before walking again. Back on the pier, I walk another quarter mile before jogging again. This time, I make it to the 7 mile mark, but I’m spent. I’ve dumped two hats full of water over my head, but I’ve yet to have anything to drink. I thought there would be more drinking fountains in the park. I walk for about a half mile and find a drinking fountain in the park. It’s enough to rehydrate me a little, but my hands are pretty swollen and red.
I start running again at 7.5 miles. I run to the 8 mile mark and walk again. My plan is to do half mile repeats. The run has turned into an interval workout….a very slow interval workout. At 8.5 miles, I start running again and reach the 9 mile mark, back in the neighborhood. The shade is very welcome. I reach 9.5 miles and jog the rest of the way. When I hit 10 miles, I’m barely able to walk straight. I pull off my sweat soaked shirt and drape it over my head as I walk the mile back home.
Planned workout
1 mile warmup
10 miles at 10:02 pace
1 mile cool down
Actual workout
1 mile warmup
10 miles at 12:44 pace
1 mile cooldown
The pace really sucked today. After the great run I had two weeks ago, I was hoping to make it at least 5 miles before having to walk. Still, I’m glad I finished the full 10 miles. It will only make me stronger for next week. I won’t have to run 10 miles again for another 7 weeks, when I’ll be well into the actual marathon plan. Hopefully it will go better next time.
7 weeks down, 22 to go.
That sounded a lot like my first 10 mile run/walk