No More Night Running

I was quickly reminded why I don't run past dark during my long run yesterday after work. It's been getting darker earlier lately but I had to squeeze my run in before the weekend since I had plans to travel to Ohio University this weekend to see my little sister. I planned on running 15 miles, which is what a mapped out, but it ended up to be a 15.4 mile run. Doesn't sound a lot longer but it certainly feels that way when you were mentally prepared for 15.

The run was great. I felt relaxed and energetic, which is not how I was expecting to feel after a day on my feet at work. It was perfect running weather, too. Mid-60s with a slight breeze. Nighttime started to roll around at 7pm and I was about eight miles in. I guess after running such long distance I didn't think seven more would take that much time. My route was well-lit for a majority of the run but the last three or so miles were pretty terrifying. I turned on a pitch black two lane road with no sidewalks or lights. Cars passed from both directions. There were surprisingly a handful of people that I passed on the street during the last stretch of the run and that was unsettling. I've said it time and time again - I do not like running at night. And this is why. I don't trust people enough and I get paranoid of my surroundings when I can't see them. I made up some time during this part of the run though because I basically broke out in a dead sprint. So I wasn't surprised when I saw that my average pace came out to 8:19. This was better than I anticipated.

Today, like I said, I'm visiting Tay in Ohio. And like most of the days after my long runs, I am taking off. Tomorrow I will try and go for a short run around campus but we'll just have to see how it works out.

Now I just have an 11-mile to knock out next week and then the race. Can't believe it!!!