More Sand Miles

I was scouring the images on Google trying to find the "perfect" sand photo to share for my rambling about sand running; then I realized that I took some pretty great pictures myself yesterday.
It took some serious pep talk to get myself to the beach since it was overcast and just blah. When I took Denver to school it was drizzling off and on and even poured for a few minutes, but I figured I was running at the beach and would end up getting wet anyway. I pulled up the the beach and had to take a photo. Isn't it beautiful?!?

The gray clouds were parting and the sun was peeking through. The sun rays just sparkled on the water. I had no issues with running now! First though I had to take a quick selfie!

Or two...

My run was very slow going. Overall my pace was 12:08. Here is a snapshot from my Garmin Connect page.

I couldn't have asked for much better conditions. It wasn't too hot or cold. The sand was fairly firm and made for quick easy steps. The sun wasn't beating on me, it just played peek-a-boo with the clouds. The waves were beautiful and soothing. My legs were tired though. My calves screamed at me for most of the run and by mile six my quads joined in the fight. I almost turned around at mile 3, but I really, really wanted to run 8, so I pushed through. At mile 3 I did take a 60 second walk break and I felt good afterwards, so I took another walk break at mile 4, mile 5, mile 6, and mile 7. I thought it was funny because every time I looked at my watch to see how I was doing it said .6 (4.6, 5.6, 6.6 - lol); I just kept telling myself, well good only a little more then a lap on the track, I can do that then I'll take a small walk break. My longest walk break was mile 7 (it was almost three minutes before I could get myself running again). My legs were done, but I was so close to the finish (I could see the parking lot!!) that I just hunkered down and pushed through it.
In two and a half weeks I have my half marathon in the sand and I want to be ready. Next week I'm going to push for 10 miles then I'll have an easy week before the half. Sand running is tough, but I really enjoy it. I feel so good afterwards and I look forward to it every week.
I shared this one in my last post, but it's too good to not share again...