The Daily Log 10/26/08

Distance: 8.09 miles
Time: 1:25:44
Pace: 10:34/mile
Weight: 200lbs
Terrain: Mainly flat, few rolling hills
Temperature: Cold and windy
Gear: Adidas running shorts, Long-sleeved Adidas Climacool t-shirt, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water
Fuel: None
Medical: Mild shin pain, tight calves, sore feet
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 15.51 miles (a new stat for me to track the wear on the shoes)

If all goes well, 8 miles will soon seem like a walk in the park, but as of today, it's the second longest run I ever remember completing. It was rather cold and windy, and after I got going, I realized I probably had underdressed for the occasion. Fortunately most of the run was somewhat sheltered by real estate, but when I hit more open stretches, I was given quite an assault.

Pretty much every part of my lower leg ached at one point or another, but in actual fact, it was all pretty mild, and nothing Aleve and ice couldn't fix after the run was over. Perhaps the biggest worry was the fact that my left calf was still tight, particularly over the first few miles. It wasn't painful, but I was a little concerned I could injure it if I pushed myself too hard.

The new shoes held up well. It has taken a couple of runs to get used to the heels which I feel are the biggest difference between these and the old ones - they still seem more built up. Nevertheless, despite a little surface foot pain towards the end that I attributed to me still breaking them in, I can't complain about the results so far.

Jill ran the second half with me and that helped me keep my pace easy. I ran the first half in around 9:45 pace, which was about right, then I slowed down to probably 11:00 pace or so for the second half. Ideal overall.

It's quickly getting cold. I might need some more winter gear before too long. Also I really had to watch my step. Lots of leaves hiding cracked paving stones, and I nearly tripped over fallen twigs a dozen times. Ah, nature. Will I conquer thee?