Good Times

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

I LOVE the friendships that are built during runs!

There is just nothing like it. Okay, maybe there is. But, that looks like me sitting in my living room with a cup of coffee in hand and having my friend sitting there with me. And at that point, it really wouldn't be the same, because there would be X amount of kids running around screaming and THAT definitely is not the case on ANY of my runs!

And as I've also said before, I love running with people who challenge me just enough and with those that I can challenge just enough. There seems to be a great balance.

Wendy and I took off on Saturday morning for my 11 miler and her 14. We had talked the night before and while I had hoped we could run at race pace because I felt like the timing was right, Wendy really just wanted to run at a 9:30 pace. Which, truly, was just fine.

Mile 1: 8:44

Uh, Wendy, if you're shooting for that 9:30, we should probably slow down!

Mile 2: 8:48

No, really. This isn't really looking like a 9:30

Mile 3: 8:52

Okay. I fine with going faster, but, remember? You really wanted to do a 9:30.

Mile 4: 9:21

That was a great hill!! But, are we seriously only 4 miles in?? My body is fine, but my mind feels like we've been running forever (new course for me on a road I've never been on. Funny how the mind works!)

Mile 5: 9:21

Feeling great still, but where are we??

Mile 6: 9:03

Mile 7: 8:53

Mile 8: 8:47

Um. HOW did we get to mile 8?? Are we really already back at the hill? Where in the world did the last 3 miles go?

Mile 9: 9:07

Yeah. I think I'll stick with 11 today. (I was thinking of doing 12)

Mile 10: 9:10

Almost there. Don't give up now.

Mile 11: 8:52

Are you kidding??? We did it!! 11 miles at a 9 minute pace!!

I was so excited. My fastest 11. My goal for my half in September is to get in under 2:00. If I can pull off a 9 minute pace, I can do it! Of course, I will have also just ran Hood To Coast the weekend before and I have NO idea how my body will feel after that. But, I'm hoping that I'm going in as prepared as I can be. And that I can keep that pace. However, it's going to be such a fun weekend away with friends, that I'm okay too if my body is not able to pull it off. We'll just have to see. And I can't wait!