It was 82 with a heat advisory at 6:15 am, definitely going to be a hot one. I had set a personal goal for myself to run 15 miles today. If I could get through 15, I was going to officially begin training and sign up for a full marathon. After running a half marathon last weekend, I was already halfway to 26.2.
So all I could think of today was 15 miles. I had never run more than 13.1 in my life (and a max of 11 in this heat) and I honestly doubted I could run 15. But I thought I would give it my best.
The sun had just started to rise around the time I finished my first mile. I was already struggling. How in the hell was I going to get to 15, when 1 was hard to get through? I just kept thinking of my goal and counted down the miles.
At mile 5, I knew I only had 2 more hours of running left. I might be able to manage that. At mile 9, I only had a 10k left. When I heard that I had hit mile 12 in my headphones, I literally shouted with joy. Mile 12 meant I could turn around and start heading home. Mile 13 was a disappointment though-the slowest time it has ever taken me to get to that distance. I reminded myself that my goal was distance, not time (though I didn't want to run any slower than a 12 minute per mile pace). I couldn't believe that I was still running when I got to mile 14. And that final mile, while miserably hot and achy, was pure bliss! I now know why marathoners cry as they cross the finish line!
My final disappointment with this run was when I walked in my house. I realized that I just completed 15 miles, the longest distance I've ever attempted, and I came home without a medal!
Miles logged: 15.0
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