Day 54

Scheduled 16-18 miles

Total 18 miles in 3 hours 27 mins (11.5 min/mile)

I was able to do it under my goal time which makes me really happy. I was feeling pretty good during the run. I ran a 8.1 mile route and did it faster than my 8 mile run the week before. I was feeling really good about that. My next 8.1 miles was not too bad. I was actually feeling great through most of it. I did not walk as much as I had the previous 8.1 miles but I also did not do it quite as fast. I think that I had started losing steam towards the end. I ran the last almost two miles just around my neighborhood. This is my longest run to date and I had no blisters and I was still walking. My left knee is giving me problems and I probably should have iced it but of course I did not. I will try to remember that for my 20 mile run. I am hoping to get a massage that day to help my muscle and body relax. My back is hurting me also. My back does not normally hurt so I am not sure what to think about that.

In all, I am really proud of myself. I am hoping that if I keep taking care of myself these next weeks that my recovery will go well and I will be able to not be in too much pain when I leave on my trip. This run helped me with my confidence. I needed it to keep me going.