A clydesdale no more!

Becky and I met a big group at Pelican Bay to run across Utah Lake. Figured it was one of those things to do just to say you did it. It was a lot of work. The ice had a layer of frozen, crunchy snow on top that was tough to run on. We were running 9:30-10:00 minute miles and it felt like 8:00 effort. The east side of the lake was less cold so it didn't have the layer of snow on top to help with traction. Thought it would be fun to try to skate and ended up falling. Banged up my knee pretty bad. It was a fun run and definitely worth doing. 

Relatively light day at Firehouse.  There were two 6 1/2 minute runs.  Got close to a mile on the first and took it a little easier on the second.

I haven't raced a race in a very long time.  On the way to the race I decided that I would use this as a fitness test.  I devised a pacing plan but forgot my watch so had to just run by feel.  This is a fairly non-competitive race so as we started I was up towards the front.  The lead pack was within sight the entire time.  I tried to maintain a comfortably hard pace throughout the race.  At 2 mile mark, I started to push a little harder and had a small taste of what 5k's are supposed to feel like.  Didn't really push as hard as I could but it wasn't comfortable.  Finished in 20:35 which is my slowest 5k.  Winner was 19:40 so this was a very winnable race.  I was 2 minutes slower than I usually run this course.  I am 15 pounds over my ideal race weight which accounts for 1:30 and the other 0:30 is from not being in race mode.  The time is exactly where I thought it would be - just not where I wanted it to be. 

Eight miles with Tara on the LPT.  Leisurely pace on the way out. Gradually picked it up on the way back.  Not a lot of conversation the last 2 miles.  The pace wasn't impressive but the effort was. 

Cardio day at Firehouse.  Supposed to be a 19 minute run but by the time I get to the run section, there was only 10 minutes left. 

Eight miles at 7:55/mile on Davis Blvd. with Tara.  Running is so much more enjoyable when the weather is nice.  I used to be able to push through any weather but this year I have really struggled with motiviation through the winter.  I have put some weight on this winter but am still 30 pounds lighter than I was last year at this time.  Hopefully I can get back into a good running routine and get in decent shape this summer.

Met Kam for a good run that ended up being longer than either one of us should be running right now.  He suggested a 14 mile loop that I was leery of but figured I could gut it out.  The first few miles were on the BST.  It was nice being away from the traffic and city noises.  Dropped down Farmington canyon and made a pit stop at the gas station.  Gave Becky a call to see where she was on her long run.  She was close so we ran to the LPT to meet her.  Unfortunately, the mileage back to Kam's was much more that I thought it was.  Our 14 miler turned into 17.  I felt really bad making Kam go a little longer than he wanted and keeping him from home for an extra half hour.  On the other hand, I was glad I could make it through 17 miles with no fuel and feel alright. 

20 minute run at Firehouse. 

Met Tara for a run on Davis.  She was having shoe issues so turned back after a mile.  I am very tired so I wouldn't have been able to run as fast as she would have wanted to anyway.  I have no idea what my pace was but I felt very lazy during the run so I'm sure it was pretty slow.

Long run with Becky. My legs started rebelling at mile 13. Was by Kams house and thought of asking for a ride but I assumed he was still mad at me for making him run so far last week. Cut the run short and let Becky finish her run on her own. 

7.3 with Tara on Davis Blvd.  A little quicker pace this time.  I'm definitely starting to notice the effects of my lack of consistent running.