Loooonnnng run today

Today was the "Key Session" in my training plan. Coach wanted me to do - and I quote - "14 miles EASY". I know the word easy is for the pace, but I don't like seeing 14 miles and easy in the same sentence. I wasn't sure I had it in me to do this run. I've been worrying about it all week. Not seriously worrying; more like psyching myself up for it.

The weather was beautiful! It was sunny and 55 degrees at the start and sunny and 66 when I finished. I wore my new running skirt from Skirt Sports. I think it looks good on me, and it was super comfortable! I didn't get any chafing or riding up. I really like this skirt. Better than my shorts (which chafe my inner thighs on longer runs).

Cookie Amy came with me this morning. She mentioned last night that she'd like to know where the park was so she could run there, so she followed me there this morning. We started together but she didn't want me to run with her so I went at my pace. I started a little faster than I would have liked and I tried to slow it down.

I did feel the difference in pace today. I could tell when I slowed down and I checked the Garmin and sure enough I was going at a 12:00-ish pace. I could feel when I sped up to a 10:00-ish pace. I am starting to get a feel for my running now and that is really cool.

I had been winning the battle with plantar fasciitis lately, but I lost today's round. My feet did not feel as bad as they have in the past, like after the Disney Half, but I feel quite a bit of pain. I iced them when I got home and I plan to rest them as much as possible today. I have a busy day of chores ahead of me, but I'm going to try to rest them. I'm glad Leah is coming tomorrow to work her magic.

Splits: 10:21, 10:38, 10:53, 11:08, 11:06, 11:18, 11:14, 11:25, 11:29, 11:29, 11:40, 11:40, 11:38, 11:48. Avg HR = 169.

That is 14.00 miles in 2:37:30 for an average pace of 11:15. Go me!