SF10 TR #11, Misty Twelve

SF10 Miles Trained To Date: 72.75

This post is a day late - sorry! You see, my fun brother-in-law and sister-in-law are visiting this weekend. After yesterday's 12-mile longrun, we had to quickly hoof it to the horse races. Ha!

I was outdoors before 7 AM, and the sun was up. It was ever-so-slightly misting rain for most of the run. I planned to do an out-and-back course down "the old highway" and up a particular country road that I have run before. In fact, it was mostly my Worldwide Half Marathon course from last year. It was cool outside, but I was toasty in my new running digs that BIL and SIL brought me (a late Christmas exchange). I was listening to the Dump Runner's Club and Phedippidations (for the THIRD time this week - good luck to Steve tomorrow at Boston!!!)

I was feeling quite well out there. I think my times reflect it. Also, I had the motivation of hurrying home to get ready so that we would not miss the first race of the day. This time I only had to "get mean" with one dog, who showed me all 32 of his teeth (or however many dogs have...) and the same ole beagle followed me for a mile or so. No big deal!

Mile 1: 11:43

Mile 2: 11:36

Mile 3: 11:51

Mile 4: 11:53

Mile 5: 12:05 (all uphill)

Mile 6: 12:56 (still uphill)

Mile 7: 11:16

Mile 8: 11:42

Mile 9: 11:13

Mile 10: 11:57

Mile 11: 11:15

Mile 12: 11:29

Total: 2:21:02 - negative split!

Average: 11:45 per mile (on the low end of the suggested pace range!), 169 beats per minute

I was ready to go right on time. Here are some photos from the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.

At top, the horses have just left the starting gate. At bottom, the winner, Curlin, crosses the finish line several lengths ahead of the rest.