A clydesdale no more!

I'm running regularly again and actually feel like a runner so I may as well start blogging.  In January I matched my all time high in weight (220 pounds).  I saw a picture of myself at the St. George half marathon and was completely ashamed of what I looked like.  Decided right then to start working my way back to a decent weight.  Since then, I have lost 30 pounds and am back to the same weight I was last year at this time.  I would like to lose 5 more pounds.  My ideal racing weight is 15 pounds lighter than that but have been told that I don't look good that skinny.  I am up to 45 miles per week and average 7:45/mile during my runs.  Still a ways off from where I was but at least it is somewhat acceptable.

To jump start my comeback, I had to change up my routine.  I started using the cold as an excuse so started running on the treadmill at work during lunch.  Now that it is warmer, I have been running outside during lunch.  I have really come to enjoy splitting up the work day with a run.  I am going to miss it when it warms up and I can no longer run during the day. 

After a busy morning at work, I headed out for a lunchtime run.  It is exactly 1 mile from my office to the Jordan River Parkway Trail (5300 South).  Ran there then headed south on the trail for 3 miles then headed back.  I wanted the pace to be a bit of a push but not kill me.  Still not ready for the real hard stuff.  Averaged 7:14/mlie during the run and it felt very good.  It is kind of fun just enjoying running and not being a slave to a training plan.  I don't know if that will change and I will start to crave racing again.  For now, this is working for me.

Nice and comfortable lunch time run.  Ran from the office to the JRP then south to the FLSmidth building.  Didn't wear a watch but the pace was probably around 8:00/mile.  Felt a little clunky. 

Another lunchtime run from work to the JRP.  My intent was to keep it at a comfortable pace but I started a little quick.  Settled into 7:50/mile one I hit the JRP and kept it there for the rest of the run.  Form felt a little forced.  It was a little on the warm side.  When I was running into the wind, the temperature felt perfect. 

I have been letting the first mile dictate my pace for each run.  If I feel good, I go with it.  One of the benefits of running with no real goal.  Started out at 7:25 and decided to go with it.  Maintained a steady pace the entire run.  Felt very good. Even though my fitness is still behind, I am running faster now than when I was training.  Ever since I started doing my lunchtime runs outside, I have noticed that it is windy every day.  I don't know if it is because of the time of day that I am running of if it is always windy on the JRP.  It also seems that I have a headwind regardless of the direction I am running.

Pacing the Striders 30K tomorrow.  Hoping that I can handle the distance.  I'm not worried about the pace (8:46/mile) but I haven't gone longer than 15 miles in a very long time.  If all goes well, I will add an extra 1.4 miles after my pacing duties to get to 20 miles for the day and 50 miles for the week.

Paced the Striders 30K.  Was assigned the equivalent of a 1:55 half marathon (8:46/mile).  My only concern was the distance.  I haven't run more than 15 miles in a very long time.  Got to the start and it was colder than expected.  Knew that it would eventually warm up and should be good racing weather. If your not shivering at the start of the race, it is too warm.  Don decided to drop back and pace with me.  Turned out to be a blessing as my Garmin was dead.  Not a huge deal as I wear 2 watches when I pace but having the current pace certainly helps.  We stuck to paces on our pace bands pretty well.  Our cumulative time was matching the pace band to the second for the last 5 miles.  We had a good group stick with us much of the way which makes it a lot more fun. 

I felt great the entire run.  My legs felt better than they have in  a long time.  After finishing, I went back out to get an extra 1.4 to get me to 20 miles for the day.  Glad that my body still remembers how to run long distances. 

Incredibly busy morning at work.  Didn't take a breath until 1:00 so considered skipping the run.  It was too hot, my legs are still tired from Saturday, I leave at 3:00 so would basically finish up before leaving for the day.  Always easy to find excuses not to run.  Convinced myself that I would feel a lot better about myself if I went out for a run.  It was too hot and my legs were still tired from Saturday but I'm glad I went. Felt very heavy while running.  Most likely due to fatigued legs not having enough power.  I don't wear watches on recovery days but the pace was probably around 8:20-8:30.