A clydesdale no more!

I'm moving this week's runs around on the schedule.  I wanted to take advantage of yesterday's full day of rest and run the 15 miler today.  The first 5 miles of today's run were virtually pain free.  I actually felt like a real runner for the first time in a long time.  The achilles got progressively more achey throughout the run but the discomfort was manageable.  It was encouraging to have a run that started so well and I was able to maintain a decent pace throughout the run.  All in all, a good way to start the week.

Total Time: 1:53:18 (7:33/mile)

Super easy recovery run.  My legs felt heavy and dead.  Very happy about that.

I wasn't in the right state of mind for a long tempo run this morning.  Feeling kind of out of it.  Was hoping a good hard run would help me snap out of it.  The 7 mile tempo run is the one workout in Pfitz's schedule that I struggle with the most.  Today would be no different.  Warmed up with 3 slow miles (slower than I have run in a very long time).  Since it was a longer tempo run, I decided to run it at what my LT pace is, not what I want it to be.  Target pace was 6:35-6:40.  Splits were: 6:36, 6:38, 6:36, 6:34, 6:39.  After 5 miles I was breathing way too hard and my form was starting to break down so I decided to take a short break.  I was extremely disappointed with myself for quitting.  Started back up and finished the last two in 6:36 and 6:42.  I wish I wouldn't have quit.  It was more of a mental breakdown than physical.  I have to learn how to push through these.  Cooled down with 2 easy miles.  On the bright side, my achilles didn't bother me until the cool down miles.

Total Time: 1:31:12 (7:36/mile)

Recovery run.  Achilles was very achey from the start.  I expected it because of the increased load this week.  I should be able to control it and still feel that I have made it through the worst part of the injury.

Today is an exercise in understanding the big picture.  As I put my

shoes on this morning I felt a little tenderness in my achilles.  Not

too serious and it was something I could have run through but I felt

that running today would have negatively impacted the run tomorrow.  I

would rather miss an 8 miler than struggle through one of the key long

runs in the training schedule.  It is hard for me to look at my

training log and see the days with 0 mileage and weekly mileage that is

lower than it should be.  Part of me feels like I am just taking the easy way out and need to be tougher if I want to really improve.  I do understand, though, that my achilles is

getting better and I have to continue to be cautious in order for it to

get 100% better. 

This was one of the better long runs that I have ever had.  Drove to the KPT and started out with 3 comfortable miles to warm up.  Had the whole light headed, seeing spots thing for the first 2 miles but wasn't worried because it usually passes without much of an issue.  Typically I would run 10 miles then the last 12 at MP but wanted to hit the MP miles before the achilles flared up.  Transitioned into marathon pace and was hoping to maintain 6:55 throughout the run.  My plan was to run 7 mlies then return to the car and switch my empty flasks for full ones.  Splits for the first 7 miles were: 6:56, 6:52, 6:49, 6:53, 6:52, 6:54, 6:39.  Felt very, very good during this portion.  The pace was very fluid and felt like it took very little effort.  At the car, swapped my flasks and choked down a GU-cicle and started back up again.  It took awhile to get back into a groove but I was patient knowing that it always takes a bit to get going again.  The last 5 miles did not feel as smooth but they still felt good.  The splits were: 6:49, 6:37 6:54, 6:51, 6:42.  Averaged 6:49 for the 12 miles which I was very happy with.  The pace was a little erratic but I don't mind since they were almost all under my target pace.  On the faster miles, I knew I was going too fast but the effort felt right so I thought I would just go with it.  After the MP miles, I had 7 more to do and my achilles decided to start acting up.  Strange that it felt so good up to that point.  It hurt pretty bad for a couple of miles.  I met up with Lora on the trail and we ran the last 5 together.  I ran a little faster when I was running with her and the achilles did not bother me as much.  I finished the run feeling completely fresh and if it weren't for the achilles I think I would have kept going.

Total Time: 2:45:42 (7:28/mile)