THOU SHALT BE A COMEBACK

Sunday, no run--but I have another 12 hour clinical today.  Almost over.  Yesterday wasn't too bad, but it was long and time dragged. I expect the same today.  I madr 45 miles this week with no injury!

8.32 easy.  It was a tired start--I shuffled for the first few miles, worn out from my long work and clinical week.  It took me until about the fourth mile to reach full cruising speed.  I felt pretty chipper and good toward the end though, and ran the last 1/2 mile at what I feel would perhaps be my 10k race pace.  Time for the run was 1:12:27--8:42 pace.  Did two circuits of strength drills afterward.  I am so relieved that last week is over with!  I made it through my first two shifts of clinicals.  Yesterday the floor census was low so I got put in ICU for my shift and it was awesome!  My precepting nurse was incredibly smart and organized, and one of our patients was was very critical and required a lot of care.  I felt mentally engaged throughout the shift. I wish I could do all my clinicals in ICU.

8.32 miles easy.  Felt sluggish today and never really got up to full cruising speed.  average 8:51 pace.  It's cold again--I had to get out the hat, gloves, and double layers.   Nick is making pancakes for breakfast and I can't wait to stuff myself!

It was COLD today.  18 degrees; not sure what it was with the wind chill factor.  Drove to the track, warmed up jogging to rosewood and back, then did 16 laps on the track.  Felt the need for speed so ran the first 8 easy, one mile in a fast but controlled pace that I felt was sustainable in 6:44, then 4 more laps easy and done.  Now I am sitting and smelling the aroma of the massive breakfast that my husband and son are preparing and can't wait to eat!

8.2 easy in 1:09:56--8:32 pace.  Kept the pace comfortable until the very end--then did approximately 10K race pace for 1/4mile, then accelerating into 5k race pace for the last quarter mile or so at the very end(training for a long, strong kick).  Just stuffed myself with peanut butter pancakes(we believe in breakfast around here!)

8 loops while Vanessa napped.  Started off slow--felt heavy.  Had to stop several times in the first two miles to stretch out a stitch underneath my left ribs.  Felt heavy and jerky until mile 4 when suddenly I felt great and cruised along happily for the rest of my run.  Time was 1:04:05--8:01 pace(I am surprised at this--I really was running comfortably--no straining, not pushing the pace).  Did two circuits of strength drills and stretched.  I feel like my fitness level has taken a sudden leap in the last few weeks.  I am glad I took Sasha's advice--base mileage for a good long time is the way to go for me--my fitness is improving and I am not injured.

8 miles in 1:06:12--8:17 pace.  Felt like I was really taking it easy because my giant lunch from Red Robin was sitting in my stomach like a brick--oh well, Vanessa was napping so run now or don't run at all!  Lunch was so good....chicken burger with cheese, guacamole, mayo, bacon, and pickles, along with giant baked steak fries dipped in ranch....yum!  I didn't eat the bun though--I have really lost my taste for white bread.  Ran my highest weekly mileage ever this week--still feeling good--no aches or pains or ominous signs of injury.  I will probably mimic this week for the rest of the month as far as mileage--maybe go over 50 a week for the first time in April.