A clydesdale no more!

I'm running the Jingle Bell 5k on Friday night and since I have not run a 5k in a few months and not experienced 5k pace for a long time I realized that I am in a lot of trouble.  I wanted to get in a little work at 5k pace this morning but not so much that it would wear me out for the race.  Warmed up with 2 miles then ran 4 X 1/2 mile with 1/4 mile rest on the new paved trail in West Bountiful.  I just wanted to run by feel with out monitoring the pace on the Garmin.  The pace did not feel comfortable.  My legs felt alright but the breathing was a little too labored.  I was able to recover pretty quickly between each repeat but they all felt a little off.  Had no idea what the pace was until I finished and reviewed the splits.  Assumed they all came in around 3:07 (6:15/mile pace).  Was surprised to see them at: 2:55, 2:59, 3:00, 3:05.  Although these were at a decent pace, they did not feel the way I want them to and I realized that I have a lot of work to do to get back into shape. 

Another low energy day.  Ran at a very easy pace.  My right hamstring was really sore.  It is usually my left that causes me trouble.  Pretty sure it is just part of getting used to the cold weather running.

I don't think I've ever seen the moon so bright.  Pretty cool sight.  All day yesterday I was experiencing pain in the back of my right leg. Looking at the anatomy of the leg, I think it is the adductor muscle.  Since it was bothering me this morning I thought it would be best to cut back on the mileage.  My form was pretty clunky.  Hopefully a couple of easy runs will keep it in check.

It reached another level of cold this morning.  I think it is actually going to get worse tomorrow.  My right leg is still bothering me so I took it easy again.  I usually ignore these type of issues and push through it but am opting for a different approach this time.  The discomfort moved to my quad and up my back in addition to the adductor.  It's not bad, just a little bothersome.

AM

Ran an easy 4 with some striders thrown in just to wake my legs up.  Right leg is feeling much better.  It is noticeable but does not really affect the running.  Striders felt good.

PM

The Jingle Bell 5k is a really fun race and is a fundraiser the JDRF.  My ex has diabetes so it is an organization that I like to support when I can.  I won the race last year because it is run on a Friday night in December.  Most people have far better things to do with their Friday nights than run a race in the frigid cold.  Picked up my packet last night and instead of coming in a bag they put your stuff in a Christmas gift box (I thought it was a nice touch).  Laced up my red racing flats with bells tied to the laces - very festive.  Warmed up with 2 easy miles and realized the turnout this year seemed to be less than last year.  It's always hard to tell who the competition is but one kid looked like real trouble.  As we lined up, everybody was really hesitant to get up to the front.  It was very strange.  We were off after the countdown from 10 and the race seemed to start really slow.  I was out in front and felt like I was running at a comfortable pace.  I wasn't going to push it unless I had to.  After a few twists and turns, we were on Main Street in Bountiful where there was a crowd lined up to watch the light parade.  They were nice enough to cheer and it felt pretty cool running behind the lead vehicle (moped) with people in the crowd cheering you on.  Hit the first slightly downhill mile in 5:45 (4 seconds faster than last year) and felt very good.  The fast looking kid was about 10 yards behind me.  The course is pretty flat for the second mile.  I tried to keep my form relaxed and still push the pace.  At about 1.5 miles, I could hear foot steps and knew the fast kid was closing in on me.  He passed me, I offered words of encouragement and tried not to fall too far behind.  He put about 20 yards on me then held that lead the rest of the way.  Second mile split was 6:04 (10 seconds faster than last year).  The third mile is a slight uphill and last year I had no one in sight so I just coasted.  Having somebody in front of me helped keep the pace more honest.  I never felt like I could catch him but was glad to have a target.  I wasn't able to push it into puke pace which left me a little disappointed but I did run it in 6:32 which was 13 seconds faster than last year.  Ran 5:40 pace for the last 0.14 (a little long because they moved the starting line back from where it was last year).  Final time was 19:09.  I feel really good about the race.  I didn't feel tired at all once I finished which means that the fitness is there and I just need to get used to the pain of racing again.  I definitely could have run faster if I were more mentally ready to do so.

Ran on the LPT with Trevor.  He only wanted to go 6 miles and I wasn't feeling like going long this morning.  Started at 7:20/mile and ran each mile a little faster with the last mile being 6:45.  It was an unintentional progression run.  I felt light headed but everything else felt really good.  Legs didn't fatigue like they usually do and breathing was good.