Phew, yesterday was 11 miles, in preparation for a half marathon in two weeks. It was cold yesterday, with the wind chill making it feel like 11 degrees. No excuses though, as we discussed here last week. I had a really fun route planned and I was excited to get it done.

 

As I expand my fitness level, I also expand my running routes. I haven’t run too many 11 milers, so yesterday I decided to go from my house, running along the Boston Marathon route to the starting line in Hopkinton. I knew it would be cold (but didn’t realize just how cold that “feels like 11 degrees” would be!), so I got ready with 3 good (light!) layers on my top and my bottom. I’m learning!! My body stayed at a great temperature throughout the run. I should have had something around my face though – not sure how to figure that one out and continue to breathe. Hmmm.

 

The run wasn’t fast, but that wasn’t my goal. I definitely am affected by the cold weather, and even though my legs were warm enough, I wasn’t moving fast. That’s okay – my goal was for mileage, and not time, in this temperature. Overall, my pace was still much faster than it used to be. When I got back home, defrosted my face (lol!), had a warm protein shake (yum, like a mocha latte), and a shower, I was feeling incredibly accomplished.