FIRST Long Run - 18 miles

18.01 miles (target 13 @ 8:30) (Garmin link)
2:30:38
8:21/mile pace

Today's FIRST training goal was 13 miles at an 8:30 pace. Started from home, taking it easy. I've had some difficulty with the longer runs lately, so tried not to exceed the 8:30 target pace to begin with. Got down to the start of the rec path at 2.35, then continued on, and did the loop in the reverse of my usual direction. That way I would hit the place where I've had to stop a number of times on the first half of the run. Hit the 8 mile mark after crossing the Falls Bridge and was feeling very good, so I picked up the pace, and did the next 5 miles at 8:08/mile. Hit thirteen back at the start of the path. Was still feeling well enough that I decided to turn around, and ran two more miles, then returned, making 17. Left the path towards home and reached the bike store at 18. After stopping to shop for some allen wrenches, I started to run the last mile and a half home, but after a few steps, realized that 18 was enough for today. Legs were feeling beat up, and I want to be OK for speed work on Monday.

It feels good to have a new distance record, and to have broken the 15 mile mark for the first time since my previous longest run, 15.5 miles back in October. Now I can breathe a little easier about the next two long Saturday runs, which will be "only" 15 and 17.