Why is running 3.5mi do darn hard? I was feeling pretty good today, a little soreness in the right hip and in the ankles but I think it was mostly from the pickups on Wednesday night. I'm starting to realize how far down the fitness and strength ladder I am, but I can also see some results of the workouts I have gotten in. Decent run tonight, although it was hotter than I thought it was outside or I would have waited another hour or two. But, started in the 'hood and had the immediate uphill, then pretty flat to the turn-around @ 2.0 mi. Averaged about a 9:40 pace overall with the first 0.5mi @10:30, then the fastest was about a 8:00 pace which was primarily downhill taking the shorter route at the end. Focus wasn't going fast, just getting some miles in. Trying to take it slow felt like it took a lot more effort than if I had tried to push it more, which is the opposite of what I'd expect. A positive, though is that I was jammin' to the Running Mixes of Pittsburgh's own (runner) DJ Bill Bara. Not all of the mixes are as good as others, but I have enjoyed the recent 80's one recorded at The Rivers Casino here in Pittsburgh. The 2012 Pittsburgh Marathon one isn't too bad either, although I have tired of hearing Black & Yellow and a few other "Pittsburgh" songs that were mixed in there. Anyways, all things considered, I'm feeling pretty good going into the Gatorade/Steelers 5k on Sunday. Can't wait to finally meet a fellow FRBer for the first time (Steve). Should be a great time even if the weather forecast turned from partly sunny to probably rain. Dang! |