Last long run of November : 7miler

Era of….WTF……joy and resistance

It was 37 degrees out, and I needed to run—time and miles on my feet. Someone (me) decided it was a good idea to sign up for a half marathon next Sunday, so the struggle was very real. I absolutely did not want to get out of bed. But I had to.

Miles, feet, time, 13.1 miles.
That was my mantra. As long as I started running by 7 a.m., I’d be fine.

6:15 a.m.
6:20 a.m.
6:45 a.m.
…Okay, time to get up.

Shoes on. Cold-weather compression shirt. Jacket. Hat. Ready to go. No headlamp needed—the sky was already brightening. The plan was simple: 10 miles or 2 hours. I had no clue where I was actually going. I left the house at 7:16 a.m. and just started.

It’s not even December 1st, and Christmas merriment is already everywhere. I decided to run toward it—maybe the holiday cheer would inspire me. I made my way to Chelsea and spotted Santa and the reindeer at Eastern Salt. I ran through Mary O’Malley Park, under the Tobin Bridge, through Piers Park, along the East Boston Greenway, and past the Hyatt.

It took a couple of miles to warm up before I settled into my 3:1 intervals. My legs felt good, but I could tell my energy was low. Nutrition and fuel need to become my friends—and I have one week to make that happen.

Final tally: 1:34:54 on my feet, 7.38 miles at a 12:52 pace, including walking and taking pictures. I need to work on stamina and nutrition this week, but overall, it was a good run.