A clydesdale no more!

Ran to the LPT to get in a few quickish miles.  Poor planning on my part meant I ran 3 of the 4 tempo paced miles into the wind.  I was really struggling to hold 6:45/mile pace.  I stopped at each mile marker for a short break because I was struggling so much.  Spent the entire run trying to figure out why it was taking so much effort.  Running the last mile with the wind made me realize how much the headwind had affected my pace.  With less of an effort, I was able to run the last mile in 6:30.  That was more in line with what I was expecting.

The pain in my right ankle is getting worse.  This may be something more than just joint soreness. 

Workout at Firehouse included two runs (1 mile and 0.7 miles).  Really didn't have much to offer today.  Energy level is super low.  Felt like I was just going through the motions but still enough effort that I felt like passing out.

A very cool, crisp morning.  Perfect running conditions. I was moving pretty well until mile 6 when my entire right side decided to rebel against me.  Ankle, hip and groin started to hurt and altered my gait.  Hoping it is the cold weather moving in that is causing the aches and pains.

Level testing at FireHouse.  I'm only on level 2 so the test was: 3 minute squat, 0.8 mile run, 15 burpees, 15 pushups and 10 tire lunges on each leg.  My only concern was the squat.  For some reason, I am unable to sustain a squat for more than a couple of minutes.  Got to 2 minutes without much of a problem then was able to gut out the last minute.  My legs were shaking uncontrollably but I made it.  I set a goal for 4:30 (5:37/mile) for the 0.8 mile run and failed miserably.  Hit the halfway point at 2:15 then was unable to embrace the pain and limped in at 4:45 (5:56/mile).  I felt fine but was just unable to push through the discomfort.  Very disappointed but my mental toughness has always been a weakness.  The last month has been a really unhealth month for me which probably contributed to the slow time.  I completed the other tests so now it is off to level 3 - whatever that means.

Seems like the only way I can get myself out the door on Saturday morning is to tell myself that I can run as slow as I want.  Got out the door at 8 am and the body was moving much better than I thought it would.  Was averaging 7:40/mile and felt very comfortable.  Kind of surprised how easy the pace felt so I just went with it.  Made a loop through town then made my way to the LPT in Centerville.  Ran into Becky with about 4.5 miles to go so I finished the run with her (avg 8:15/mile with her).  My right ankle is still problematic but I think I can deal with it.