track fan

1:57:46.  Wonderful trail run on my "flat" trails.  I parked in a different spot, hoping to figure out how do this in laps so that during the summer I will be able to drop water.  It was about 1:10 to do the whole lap once -- I got water and then wound around a bunch of other trails to find my way back.  Greg said I could run the last 5` at 1/2 marathon pace if I was feeling "frisky" - I actually ran a little hard the last 10` because there were some mountain bikers on the trail - they were stopped at the bottom of a hill when they saw me coming and jumped on their bikes  in front of me, well, of course, I *had* to stay as close to them as  possible.  It was uphill the last mile and they finally stopped and pulled over and let me pass ;-).  I will admit, they weren't exactly true competitive mountian bikers (who would have kicked my behind) - but I was pretty happy to have "beaten" them anyway - especially since I wasn't even breathing hard!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful day with friends and family!

No run today -- but I am excited to share that there is a new ultra running coach in town.  Ian Torrence has joined forces with Greg McMillan  -- and even if you don't want a coach, his blog is kind of interesting -- at least to you ultra folks out there (read, crazies).

I hope you are all having happy and pain-free running today bloggers!  At least those of you that are resting on those laurels after the fast racing this weekend!

AM:(9+ miles, 1:22:56).  Hilly run at pretty easy pace.  For having a week of recovery my legs are surprisingly dead and heavy.  I reduced my caloric intake a lot last week, to compensate for the lack of running -- but for some reason I still felt like I was trudging along carrying an extra persons worth of weight ... oh well, nice run anyway!

PM: (4 miles easy).

Happy running bloggers! 

1:03:28.  Easy run on the trail, before the rain came in ... good timing.  Still feeling a little sluggish today, but not quite "Michelin Man" (loved it Samantha!).  

Have to run, teaching this morning and two projects due today ... I can't believe I only have a month to rewrite my grant for resubmission, have a presentation for a external review of a grant, and I have two trips to DC this month!!  There are definitely not enough hours in the day.

Have a good day bloggers!!

AM: (11 miles, 1:35:08). 28:51 wu +strides/25:23 cd. My "workout" today was to run 5 x 5` @ steady state pace (7:24-7:36/mile) w/3` recovery. I have been feeling so strange this week, that I really wanted to do this on the track to see if I have been running harder than I thought lately (and that is why my legs feel sluggish) - I figured if I struggled with this workout then that would mean something else entirely. But mainly, I just wanted to make sure I did not run too hard today. I modified the workout slightly into 5 x 1200 @ SS pace w/600 recovery (target for 1200 was 5:33-5:39). It had been so long since I   had run at this pace I knew it would be a little difficult to find ... 5:19 (3:25) 5:23 (3:22) 5:39 (3:23) 5:28 (3:26) 5:23. A little on the fast side, but I was relaxed and finally I just went with the effort-based workout and did not worry about splits. Felt good to be running a little hard again. It is going to take a while to remember what 1/2 marathon training pace feels like ... better get used to it before the long tempo runs begin!

PM: (easy 4). I just can't get these done before 8PM ... every single T/Th I try to get out before it is dark, but I always get stuck at work ... I have meetings all day today, so I am positive I won't be leaving my office before 8 tonight ... luckily, there are a few people still out in the park at this time of the night -- and it is not as busy as it can be at 6PM.

I hope everyone is feeling good today, and I hope you got some sunshine where you are!! Spring is almost here!

1:03:41.  A little too fast recovery run up Yeatman trail -- no wonder my hamstring yelled at me a couple of times.  It generally takes me about 1:05-1:06 to run all the way to the top of the "big hill" and back down.  Anyway ... beautiful morning.   I am going to work really late tonight, in hopes to finish my lecture for Monday and get some work done, so I don't have to come in over the weekend.  I think both Dean and I are a little overworked right now and need some down time -- and we need to finish re-unpacking our house after the flood.

Have a wonderful day and a great weekend bloggers! 

AM: (8+ miles, 1:11:25). Nice hilly run. First time I have felt this good all week. Did not run hard, but focused on running consistently both uphill and on flat and downhill portions. Nice day, got up a little late this morning, so my work day is a little rushed.

PM: (easy 4).

Need to finish as much work as possible today so I can take time to watch track and field tomorrow! I LOVE this time of year!! Reebok games will be on Sunday 2PM EST on ESPN2. Next meet will be the USA Indoor Nationals on the 28th.

Have a wonderful weekend bloggers, run safe, stay dry (don't trip on the snow and ice)!