I just finished a 11.897km running that lasted about 1hh:02mm:49ss !
After my last run on Saturday was much harder than it should have been and also slower than previous ones, I wasn't exactly worried, but I really wanted to get back into making progress as soon as possible. I think this run was definitely reassuring, it's the longest so far since resuming training (first one above one hour), and also the fastest, albeit just very slightly.
Once again, I started way later than I had planned, and it got dark much sooner than I hoped. Days are definitely shorter, and the sun goes down very quickly now. The obvious problem of running after it gets dark is made worse by drivers going like crazy on small local roads, with their high beams of course. It completely blinds you and you just try to stay out of the way, hoping there is no obstacle on the side of the road. So it was a bit risky at the end but by combining some of my favorite routes, I managed to get a bit more distance, almost 12km.
Right from the start, it felt so much better than last time, much lighter on my feet (although I am still not seeing any change on the scale) and very little soreness. Most runs, I have to find a second wind after a significant slow down, but this time, sensations stayed the same and the pace was fairly consistent till the end (even with that 7th mile a bit slower).
This run makes me hopeful again that I may be able to pull off a not-so-terrible half marathon in 3 and a half weeks. I'll keep working for it with the next run on Wednesday (today). I am thinking similar distance again, but we'll see how the day goes first.
Keep Exhausting!