Long run, unprepared = sore

Sunday, after over a week of not running because of AQAD busyness, too much cold weather, and recurrent coldiness, managed to get out and blow out the cobwebs. Oh boy, yes. Saturday R and I were out in the snow in a hill town, doing winter activities with Den 7 et al. Played some kickball in the snow and 20 deg. or so.

So then Sunday, waited for the sun to get up properly and set off in early afternoon (1:23 p.m.), having warmed up with housework. It was seriously cold in the wind, but quite possible in the lee. Wore thick hat, all other gear, and my headband over nose and mouth when the wind was on me. Set off on a rail trail run aiming for a 10-12 mile stretch, not trying for pace at all (but inevitably watching it occasionally). Entered trail from Geo Hannum, and followed it till the Jabish Canal spur, then 181 and across to Cordner, then past the 1830 farm and the UM orchards, past Trombley farm and across 181 again to the railtrail. Then straight home, but tired by then, so after nearly an hour and a half, called it quits on the run and jogged home the last bit (about 1.8 miles, took me nearly 20 mins!)

Time: 1:28:50
Speed: 7.61 mph
Distance: 11.28 miles

Comment: Hard ground, hard work. It's a shock to realise how hard long distance is if you're not ready for it. It was partly the cold, which was fierce, but more just sheer resistance I was feeling from groin joints (tendons?) and overall lack of verve. I tried jumping a log near the end and jammed my bad ankle; too tired to lift the foot enough. So, main thing is I need to put more miles in. Somehow. Little by little. And find a bad weather alternative that won't kill my ankles...