A clydesdale no more!

Perfect weather for running - cool, slight breeze and an occasional sprinkle.  Started out easy just to see how well I have recovered from Saturday.  Felt a little sore but nothing significant.  Picked up the pace after 3 miles and ran at a decent pace for the last few miles.  I'm running in a local 5k next Monday so I am not sure if I should take it easy this week to recover or put in some quick miles to get acclimated to 5k pace.

Total Time: 58:59 (7:22/mile)

Avg HR: 154 

It was cold this morning (40 degrees).  Wanting to get a feel for 5K pace, I decided to run mile repeats this morning on the local course that I will be racing on next Monday.  Warmed up with 2 easy miles then started the repeats.  The first mile was exactly 6:00 and felt alright.  I usually jog during the rest between repeats but decided to just walk around for 3 minutes this time.  It was hard getting going during the second.  It felt slow and I was surprised to see that I ran it in 5:48.  Walked around for a few minutes then started the third.  This one felt much better and I ran the last 1.1 miles in 6:37 (6:01/mile).  Cooled down with 2 more easy miles.  I'm not sure if I can hold this pace without the breaks but I was surprised that I could do it 3 days after Saturday's race.

Total Time: 50:44 (7:09/mile)

 Avg HR: 159 - HR was consistently between 174-177 during the mile repeats.

Another cold morning.  Not much pop in my legs.  Just couldn't get in a groove.  I really haven't taken it as easy as I probably should have the past couple of days.  Stomach is a little unsettled which may be contributing to the low energy today.

Total Time: 1:04:46 (7:48/mile)

Avg HR: 150

Feeling a little run down so I took it very easy today.  I think that I may have a little bug but nothing too serious.  Second half of the run felt a lot better than the first half.

Total Time: 48:26 (8:04/mile)

Avg HR: 141 

Couldn't find my glasses and I haven't picked up my contacts from the doctor yet so I was running blind.  Felt alright most of the run until the last mile.  The bone spur on my right foot started to flare up and it was really sore.  Still testing out the Asics 2120's and I don't think that they are working out.  My achilles tendons are more sore when I wear them and they are not as comfortable as the 2110's.  That is the third pair of shoes that I have bought that I don't like or can't wear.

Total Time: 53:31 (7:20/mile) 

Planned on taking it very easy today but Eagleridge Drive was calling my name as I approached it and I couldn't resist.  The run from the highway to the highest point is 2 miles of relentless climbing.  You go from 4,350 feet to 5,180 over the 2 miles and it is a constant uphill.  I vowed to not stop once during the climb and plugged along until I got to the top.  My pace got as slow as 11:00/mile and heart rate was in the 170's.  Once I got to Eaglewood G.C.  I continued along Eaagleridge Dr. until it turned into Bountiful Blvd and ran past Bountiful G.C.  When I got to 1800 S. I turned towards home and pushed the pace while coming downhill.  It felt good and I really focused on my form.  Probably should have taken it easy in preparation for the 5K on Monday but I think that having tomorrow off should allow me to recover enough.  Spent the rest of the day staining the deck which was more painful than the grueling run.

Total Time: 1:48:40 (7:56/mile)

Avg HR: 151