18 Miles

Well, weather didn't cooperate since my last run, cold, then snow ... 8 inches of snow apparently, most in STL since 93. Warmed up over the weekend, snow was melting, so went out today to get in the 18 mile run. Got running about 10:30am up at the lake, starting at the soccer field. Plan was to run out on the spur, out and back 2 times to get in the distance. Trail still had quite a bit of snow on it though, and ice, and slush. So did 3 out and backs, trying to take advantage of some of the trail that was more clear. Ran 10, walked 1, then ran 8 more, walked 1 as a cool down. By the end I was pretty beat. Weather started off nice - sun was out, but then the last third of the run cloud cover came in and the wind started picking up, and then it started to sprinkle a bit, but made it. 19 miles (counting the walking mile) in 3:47:16, avg pace of 11:57, AHR was 165, a bit high considering. A few 12 minute miles, most were in the 11s. Snow/ice/slush slowed me down a bit I think, and I found myself picking my feet up more too. Was slowing down at the end, but felt all right by the time I got home. 20 mile run next weekend, then it's taper time.