Today was a big day in terms of running for me. Over a month ago I signed up for a virtual 10K with the intention of running it sometime before the end of December. However, I then found out I only had until today to complete it. I was a bit concerned about it for a few weeks. So, today I set out to get it done and not only did I complete it, but I felt great!

Miles Run: 6.2
Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes, 23 seconds
Miles to Go: 46.27
Days to Go: 89
Average Miles Per Day Needed: 0.52
Pounds Lost: 3
Pounds to Go: 32

The 10K was part of Slow AF Run Club’s Turtle Trot virtual race and I’ve actually never felt better during and after a run. I did have a bit of an ache in my knee and my arches yelled at me to get new sneakers, but I felt stronger as it went along.

About a 4.5 miles out I turned off a bridge for the last stretch back to the finish and, for the first time in my life, I must have encountered “runners high”. I suddenly had a burst of energy and almost didn’t feel my legs or feet anymore. I easily picked up my pace and for the first time ever, actually enjoyed running.

My splits confirmed all this as my fifth mile was 45 seconds faster than my fourth and my sixth mile was 45 seconds faster than that. The last 0,2 miles were at a pace of yet another 30 seconds faster. And it all felt great. I am not sure I’d want to do it again, but this one felt really great.

Additionally, this run also marked the halfway mark of the 100 mile challenge for me. When I started it, I half wondered if I’d make it to 10 miles. Running almost 10 miles a week now, it is good for my soul.

Andrea found this challenge online to run 100 miles between now and the end of the year. I have been wanting to run more consistently and have also been wanting to write more often, so I thought it was perfect. I figure I could run and document it here in my blog.