Day 33 (Oct. 23)

I rocked my first ever double-digit run on Sunday (10 miles), and I’m calling it my best run ever (well, best double-digit run anyway)!

I managed to not overdo it at the Halloween party the night before (only two beers), and we left at a decent time (my goal was 11:30 p.m., but it ended up being close to midnight, and then 12:15 a.m. by the time we went back for the cooler we forgot ... oops). After washing the green spray out of my hair (I debated leaving it in, but the smell and the thought of green color running into my eyes during my run that day convinced me to wash it out — excellent decision on my part), it was 1 a.m. by the time I got to bed. But, I was ready for our run at 7:30 a.m.

The weather was awesome. Gone (at least for a few days) are the dreadful heat and humidity that plagues Florida so much of the year. Replacing it was a wonderfully cool and breezy day. Temperatures were in the upper 50s to begin the run — chilly!

I ran the first 5 miles by myself, which kind of sucked, but I managed to get through it. I determined I’m not good at pacing myself (probably because I think about it way too much). But, if I have someone to run with, which I did the last 5 miles, I don’t think about it because I am talking or listening or just keeping up with the other person. Looking back at my Garmin, my first mile was painfully slow, but the second and third were fast (for me), and the fourth and fifth were back to slow and then fast again. But, my remaining 5 miles were a consistent, steady pace, and I felt the best during that time.

Due to my disastrous 9-mile run a week ago, I made some changes to my diet, specifically my diet the day before a long run. I made sure to eat a decent meal for dinner, and oh my goodness! The difference it made! I had energy, which is really kind of important when running. I also brought along some GU Chomps (the watermelon flavor — yum, yum, yum!), and ate a few of those along the way to sustain my energy. I tried energy gels during my previous runs, and I hated that texture in my mouth while running. It just sat in my throat and made me feel like I couldn’t breathe (uncool while running … or anytime, really).

I felt super strong throughout the run. I think I even felt stronger toward the end. If needed, I think I could have picked up the pace or sprinted the last bit, which is so different from my wanting-to-throw-a-temper-tantrum last mile of my 9-mile run a week prior. I didn’t think of stopping to walk — even when I got to that pesky, hilly bridge.

The only disappointment of the run: no Derek Jeter spotting. Come on, DJ! Don’t you want to be ogled by some random running girl early on a Sunday morning?!? I know he does, so I have faith he’ll make an appearance at some point. All he needs to do is take a few steps out of his house.