Time: 27:30
Distance: 2.76 miles
Location: Granite Hills
I had a feeling this run was going to be a rough one. It was about 4:00pm and the temperature had reached the mid-90s. Today is the first day of September, and even though autumn is only weeks away, it felt very much like summer was at its peak. But I had to get a run in since I wasn't able to yesterday and I probably won't be able to tomorrow. And I would have gone later today but I'm leaving this evening to go see a show in L.A. So, still riding the wave of motivation brought on by my MiCoach, I headed out into the heat. I decided to drive east out to my old route at Granite Hills High School. I haven't run out that way since June of 2011 when Deborah and I lived out there. Since moving to the west side of Apple Valley, all my runs have been out here. But the Granite Hills run had always been one of my favorites because of its seclusion and convenient route. So I made the 10 minute drive out, parked in my old spot, and headed off. The first mile wasn't too bad. The wind started to kick up, which made it a little challenging (but also a little relieving). The 2nd mile it started to get tough. The sun was taking its toll on me and my pace began to slow. By the time I approached the beginning of mile 3 I was almost at my end. I usually run in the evening when the sun has set, so day runs tend to wipe me out pretty bad. Mile 3 was bad. Several times I wanted to stop. At about 20 minutes into the run I was maxed out. I began to worry about heat stroke. When I rounded the corner and began heading west toward the school again, I decided to make a little stop. It was about 24:00 into the run. I hate walking and I don't usually do it, but this was a case where I needed to listen to my body. I was feeling overheated and overworked. I walked for about a minute then ran the rest of the way back to my car. I was definitely exhausted when I was done. I clung to a chain-link fence just to stay on my feet. I drank a Vitamin Water I had brought and then got in my car and drove home. I was definitely wiped out. But I knew I had pushed myself to the max, which is all I could ask of myself. In the end I synced my MiCoach and was satisfied with the results. A 9:57 pace and I burned 377 calories. Not a bad late summer run.
