12 Miles

I ran 12 miles this morning.  I know, insane, but I did.  It was horrible after mile 8 - I couldn't run more than a half mile without having to stop, rest/stretch, and/or walk.  I ran out of water at mile 9, so then I had to stop at the park on the way back to get more water.  My right knee started to ache after awhile, and my calves were just screaming at me the entire time.  My running friend C recommended I practice running hills, and oh my goodness did I have hills on this run.  I think my biggest problem between mile 8-9 was the 95-foot elevation increase!  Also, since it had snowed/rained yesterday, everything was muddy, snowy, frozen (thawing as the morning progressed), and just plain chilly.  I actually had to stop around mile 3-4 to wipe mud off the bottom of my shoes - I felt like they weighed 10 pounds each from all the mud built up on them!  I hope I feel stronger about running that far by the time the half marathon comes along in a month, but I'm definitely glad to have gotten out and enjoyed the beautiful (cold) morning.

My running shoes at mile 10, when I refilled my water.  Muddy muddy muddy!

Pretty view across the area toward the snow-covered mountains, around mile 9.