Long run

So, I did my 18 mile run today. I decided the best way to do this was to drive to Forest Park, and then just run around the park three times. It went pretty well, my splits were:

1. 49:00 [8:15/mile]
   
2. 1:41:00 (52:00) [8:40/mile]
   
3. 2:37:00 (56:00) [9:20/mile]
   

I'm still a little fuzzy on exactly how long Forest Park is. I think it's a 10k, but it might just be a six mile loop. I definately got progressively slower as I went along, but I kept a pretty decent pace the whole way. It was also snowing pretty heavily the last loop, but it didn't really slow me down much. I just got tired.

Anyway, add eight more miles to that run and I'll have a marathon distance. Next weekend I get a break and only have to run 12 miles. Then I build up to 20 miles and taper for the marathon. I'm pretty excited, although I'm gonna have to find someone to come with me to the event. Uncle Charles knows people who have marathoned before and he's says it's a safety issue. Don't run and drive, or something like that.

Now to curl up in my chair with the cat and try not to whimper from the pain.