18 miler (new PB) -- Sat. March 14

Seemed like the right time to go for the next step in distance -- building on my almost 17 in England (January), time for an 18 (and then in another 2-3 weeks, 20!). With a bit of help from the Tall one I figured that I could get a refueling stop at Atkins Farm with about 9.5-10 miles done, then go home a shorter way for a total of about 18. Goal being to take it steady, not swift: maybe 7:45s to 8:00s. Started out to GeoHannum and then Stebbins (stopping en route to point out a disconnected maple tap to a farm by the road, and greeting Mr Pare out on his 6 miler) then left as far as Batchelor (stopping to answer question on directions from two guys looking for a junkyard) and follow that all the way. Passed a couple of other runners, and a bicyclist, but very few people out, despite the *gorgeous* weather. Got to Rt 116, right up the hill as far as the Notch Center, then into the trails to avoid the dangerous bit of road down the other side. The trail is still snow/ice covered, but mainly soft enough to be runnable. Come out the bottom end and go left back to Atkins -- inside to buy and Odwaller bar with the clock stopped at just 10 miles, then after a couple of mouthfuls store the rest and head back via Bay Road. Take Old Bay for that section, and then straight up out on to 9 and homewards, stopping as soon as 18 miles shows (at the supermarket, I think it was). Here's the data:

Time: 2:13:59
Distance: 18.02 miles
Pace/Speed: 7:26s/8.07 mph

Comments: apart from some chafing in a delicate spot, this was a perfect run -- had a bottle of water, and it lasted just right, and I didn't feel hungry at any point. Pace was comfortable all the way, albeit faster than I expected. A marathon at that pace would be about 3:15, which would make me very happy! So, good day's work, and all spring break to recuperate.