9 miles to nowhere

Part of our training is building up our base distances in the swim, the bike, and the run. Today the run base building and on my slate was 9 miles.

While it is only a mile longer than what I ran last week, the last mile is always the hardest. Mentally, I wasn't sure I was prepared to run that far and I hoped that I was physically up to the task.

It was hot, and I made sure that I had plenty of water. I don't like to wear a water pack or wear a water bottle belt when I run so I end up carrying the bottle in my hand. Then I find that I switch the bottle from one hand to the other as it never seems to feel just right. Back and forth the water bottle goes, the only comfort is that it gets lighter during the run as I pour the water on my head.

The first 5.5 miles were not that difficult, though I found my mind wandering due to boredom. Miles 6 to 7 were hard like previous weeks, but 8 and 9 were surprisingly easy.

90 minutes later and I have completed the run and I feel better than I expected. Of course I realize that in a few hours, the exhaustion will catch up with me.