Bainbridge did something to me. It really kicked my ass both mentally and physically. Those hills/mountains really did a number on me. I was determined today to get my heart, body and soul back on course. It was a typical Washington state day so after dropping Bryce off at school, I set off on my course with the mantra "Rain or shine, your feet don't mind" from my friend Gina (@sheTRISall3).
Almost 1 mile into my run, I came to my first crossroads...right into the Quadrant Homes to add an extra mile into my already planned long run or just turn left into McCormick Woods? The rain began to fall...I turned left! I wanted to go 10 miles today but with the back injury and the weather I was prepared to settle for anything over 7 today.
The first couple of miles my legs felt so heavy. I'm getting kinda tired of this feeling, I'm not gonna lie. I just want a nice long run where my legs don't feel like lead. My Nike+GPS kept telling my pace every .5 miles and so far I was pacing under 9:20/miles :) At about mile 2.5, I stopped to greet a couple of friends I have seen on my last 2 runs...
One kept walking closer and closer to me. She actually came close enough that I could have pet her but I know better :)
My little photo shoot was the perfect break to end the "heavy leg syndrome" issue I was having. I took off and headed for the route I've been wanting to try for months. The next couple of miles were very quiet. The backside of McCormick is pretty deserted. It's peaceful but also a little stressful. Being a lone, female runner in a deserted area and seeing large trucks that had zoomed past me parked on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere is a little scary. Regardless, I loved the route. Down to the fire station, I turned left and headed for civilization.
Glenwood has some crazy drivers! Why must people swerve towards the female runner on the shoulder of the road? (Yes, I am talking to you Mr. Tow Truck Driver!) I saw the local businesses ahead and stopped in at Burger King...to use the restroom :) Sidney was also pretty busy this morning. I had an ambulance scream by me followed by a police car a few minutes later.
The part I have been waiting for...Berry Lake! As I turned from Sidney to Berry Lake I could see the monster hill in the far distance. I just kept telling myself, "You can do this, you've got this, you are NOT going to walk!" At the base of the hill I felt the weight of my legs quadruple! I just kept chanting in my head and started swinging my arms harder. I was bound and determined not to walk! I'm sure to the cars passing by, I only looked like a speed walker but I know I was running! 3/4 of the way up the hill, my legs were begging to stop but my heart and soul had won this battle...I kept going. I made it to the top and thought I was going to pass out because I was gasping for air so bad but I had done it! I conquered Berry Lake!!
My last mile home was the slowest one of my entire run but I never stopped running :)
Today was a great day!
8.3 miles in 1:18:16 for a pace of 9'25"/mile
Berry Lake Hill = stronger legs :) good for you! It is a monster.
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