10. Freaking. Miles!!!!!!!

10 miles. I ran 10 straight miles Saturday in an amazing race, benefiting an amazing cause (Mercy Project - ending Child Slavery in Africa). I felt amazing, and strong--and this was the first time that I felt the "runners high".

In January, I could BARELY run a mile straight. I struggled, huffed, puffed, HATED it. I struggled well into September of this year, and that's when it seemed to take off. My fitness has improved so much it's almost unbelievable to me. I've worked hard, and will continue the fight. My half marathon is only 31 days away, and I plan to ROCK it.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to run more than 2 miles without some sort of pain after the race. Yesterday, I ran 1 mile and my knees started to hurt a bit. I'm going to take the rest of the week off until Sunday when I do my long run. I'm confident that with rest, I will be just fine for my half. 

So here is how the race went through my eyes: 

Starting Line: I'm ready, I'm excited, I want to pace myself. Don't start out too hard too fast. 

First Mile: Whoa. I'm slow. Everyone is passing me. The 5 mile racers start in 5 minutes... I wonder how long it will take them to catch up with me? 12 minute+ per mile pace. Yikes. Slow and steady. My race, my pace.

1st-4th Miles: Ok. I feel great, there are already a LOT of people having to walk, and I feel like a machine--even though I'm slow--a slow machine... yeah, that's it! 

4th-7th Miles: Yep. I could do this forever. I'll pick up the pace. How about a 10:30 per mile pace? That'll do. 

7th Mile: Ouch! What is that on my foot?! Did my tape slip and start rubbing on the inner arch of my foot. *I stop and stick a finger in my shoe*... Nope, that's a blister. Awesome. 

7th-8.75 Miles: Ok, I can handle the blister, I still feel great. Can't slow down now. I have to try to keep up the pace. I'll keep about an 11 minute per mile pace, just to be safe. 

8.75 Miles: Major hill. Like, a seriously HUGE--MASSIVE, even--hill. Why would they do this to us? We just have a little over a mile to go? Ughh.... Ok. I'll walk up the hill and run the rest of the way. 

9th-FINISH: Ok, ANYONE can run 1 mile, and I'm way ahead of my goal (2:30). Even if I WALK I'll finish before then. I can do this. 

Finish: HALLELUJAH! 1:55:41 was my official chip time. I was greeted at the finish line by Mr. M, my mom, dad, and oldest (13) nephew! I DID it. I finished 10 miles!