That Didn't Take Long

Yesterday I got out after the Pats game for a longer run, wasn't sure how long but I wanted to go at least 10. I was really hoping for 12-14, so I headed out toward Hamilton-Wenham for my 14 mile loop. I was fairly conservative to start and was hitting around 6:50s for the first 5ish miles, slowest was 7:04 (2nd mile, uphill and always a tough mile on this run). Once I hit Hamilton-Wenham High I started to really roll, that's about 8.5 miles in, but I was just getting going. That mile was 6:45 and was followed by a 6:37, which is nothing special for me and a very standard pace on a long run, but the dip below 6:40 gave me the downward momentum that took me to the low-6's later on. I was really very comfortable as I started to take the pace down each mile as I came back into Ipswich down 1A.

My calves were cramping up because, again, I wasn't hydrated very well for this run (same reason as yesterday, but tack on a few more adult beverages and a wedding). My calves were tightening up so I didn't push myself under 6, but I definitely could have and contemplated it. Instead I headed for the track to get a half mile in to call it an even 15. The 800 on the track was right around 3 minutes and I was on my way home after a great run. My longest run in probably 10 months and it was pretty fast too.

I knew it was gonna be right around 15 and I was headed down Pineswamp Road really feeling strong...and then I rolled my ankle off the side of the road 0.3 miles from my door. It was a bad roll on a bad stretch where the road has begun to disintegrate break apart, and I almost ate pavement but caught myself, thankfully too because I was gonna smash my teeth on the road. I stopped immediately and hobbled around gingerly. Checked the watch. 14.77 miles. Four houses from my driveway. So. Damn. Close. I walked it off for about 90 seconds and realized it wasn't too bad, but it certainly wasn't good. I ran the last quarter-plus home and immediately got some ice on it, popped some ibuprofen, showered and threw on my brace. I'm way too accustomed to RICE, it's not something I'm proud to be good at.

Ankle Sprain #7. Second in the last 2 months. Last time was at Cornell with Kieran and I took about 2 days off, but I have permanent swelling in my right ankle from that stupid decision (although it's led to me being in great shape considering I've only got 8 weeks of training). This sprain isn't as bad as that, and may actually be the mildest sprain (like actual sprain that I'll take time off for) that I've had. I'm thinking maybe a week off and I'll be back at it. In the mean time I'll take today (Monday) completely off and get on the elliptical the rest of the week.

FINAL LINE ON THE RUN: 15.08 MILES, 1:39:33, 6:36 pace
http://www.strava.com/activities/212152834