16 Miles and Skyptop Orchard

We did it...we finished 16 miles! It really feels great to even say that. As usual, I struggled through miles 1 and 2 but started feeling pretty good after that. We did the Spinx half marathon route until we got to the horrible hill on McDaniel (my nemesis). Len got my attention and pointed that we were going to turn and skip that hill...I was so excited! That definitely gave me my second wind. I knew we had less than 7 miles to go then and since we were not doing that hill, I was pretty sure I could finish this. It's amazing how mentally weak it makes me thinking of a hill I dread...or how much better I feel knowing we aren't going to do that hill. So thank you, Len (even though I'm pretty sure that turn was for both of us). We stopped briefly at miles 5 and 9 for a quick drink and snack but that was it. I felt better on the last mile than I did on our 15 mile run a couple of weeks ago. I hope training keeps going this well because the thought of doing 10 more miles after we finished this morning was a little overwhelming...but we'll get there.

I just have one minor problem right now...throbbing toes. My Brooks have been letting me down on my last few long runs. I have one toe that is black and blue, and I'm pretty sure the toenail is going to fall off (ouch!). I got new shoes this week but unfortunatetly got blisters the second time I ran in them. I just need to get this figured out before Dec. 11th!

We took Jake to the apple orchard this afternoon. He just loved all the animals and had a great time being outside! I am loving this weather so much. It doesn't get better than 60 degrees and sunny!