Long Run Sunday: 18 Miles

18 mile long run done. Set out to cover this distance at 10-20% slower than my goal marathon pace of about 8:20 or so.

Yesterday, I ran a little over 8 miles while the sun was still out in full force and paid for it. Thank god for cloud cover this morning because it was tough enough as it was. Got a later start than I would have liked (at 8am) but like I said, it was cloudy on the west side/beach. Started at home and headed west on Venice Blvd.

Once I hit the beach after 4.25 miles, I ran north up through Venice/Santa Monica/Will Rogers Beaches. At the halfway mark (9 miles) in Will Rogers, I took a few minutes to take my Gu and catch my breath before making the grueling journey back. I take that back - it was half joyous, half grueling. I hit a bit of what's commonly referred to as a "runner's high" during miles 10-12. Felt absolutely invincible and like I could run forever. I had hoped to hit the final 5 miles at a faster clip, only to have some knee pain and lactic acid build up slow me down. The last 2-3 miles were tough but made it home in one piece.

Post-long run ice bath

Final tally = 18.1 miles, 9:34 pace.

Weekly mileage total = 56 miles - a new weekly mileage PR!