Notes
I'm so happy to have run this long run with Dimitri this morning because I was not looking forward to running in the rain. I don't mind the darkness at all, but running alone for long distances in the rain can be mentally draining, maybe because I can't bring along my phone to listen to books or music during the run.
I met Dimitri in Kingston at 06:25 for a 13 mile run along the tow path. The weather forecast predicted a 30% chance of rain from 6am - 9am... and it rained from about 6:10 until 7:45 which covered the bulk of our run :) Fortunately, the rain was light and the temperature was warm.
I wore my CW-X compression pants and headlamp because it was dark when we began our run. I also wore a compression shirt because I've discovered it reduces shoulder soreness I sometimes have after long runs, and helps me maintain better running form on these long runs.
We started out a little slow, but agreed we would keep this run from turning into a speed workout and would aim for about an 8:30 pace. What was interesting is that after we turned around at mile 6.5, our pace kept creeping toward 8:00. I would classify the run as easy, but it was just what the doctor ordered after about 140 kicks with each leg in karate class this morning, coupled with frog hops, sparring, basics, etc, and my lactic threshold run yesterday.
Mental note: with my increased mileage I should consider buying a new pair of running sneakers. My current pair probably have more than 500 miles on them, but the good news is both shoes have very even wear.
Note: I noticed my left foot tightening up late in the run; this is probably due to increased mileage combined with increased karate training this week.