Double Digit Run...Finally

Well, I can now say I've hit the double digits for a single run as I ran 10.4 miles yesterday for my LSD (long slow distance) run. And I ran that 10.4 miles without stopping (except to grab a snack and a water bottle from my car at the halfway point). It truly is amazing to me, since just 10 short weeks ago, I was NOT a runner, and now, just 2 1/2 months later, I can literally run double digits. I feel like Forest Gump, ha. In the last week, I've run 28.4 miles. In the last month, I've run 110.8 miles. Again, the only word that can describe that is amazing. More importantly, on my 10 1/2 mile run today, it felt good. I felt strong, and literally thought I could have run further and longer. And now, 12 hours after the run, I still feel good with no major aches and pains. That's a miracle in itself, that I've been able to accomplish much of my running injury free. I did have some Achilles Tendinitis early on, and occasional sore/stiff legs here and there, but so far, in my 215.9 career running miles, it's been pretty smooth. I can only keep my fingers crossed and hope that I remain injury free over the next 5 weeks. Yes, my half marathon is now just 4 weeks and 6 days away. That's slightly daunting, but also surprisingly refreshing knowing that I hit 10 miles today, and should be able to complete the full 13.1 miles just as strong as I was today. I fully intend to cross the finish line with a smile on my face, and an unthinkable amount of pride in what I've been able to accomplish. I do have a goal of finishing with a time of 2:10, which is a solid 10 minute mile. I honestly think I can do it. Has it been easy? Absolutely not, I've worked very hard for this, with a ton of sweat and determination. Not much blood in there, and maybe just one tear. Ha.