cheryl

I returned to the scene of the crime--the canal road, windy, very similar conditions to Saturday when I had a very unfun run.  This time I really worked on not being tense and tight.  I tried to run very relaxed (for me, I don't think I'll ever be able to relax totally).  Anyway, I had a much better run, I actually enjoyed it this time.  So I know what I need to do to feel well.  I cooled down by walking/running backwards on the treadmill.  That's my new favorite thing to do.

The group met today at the 123rd So. trailhead of the Jordan River Parkway.  I got there about 10 minutes before 5:45 just to do a little warm-up.  My main goal today was to stay relaxed, to not tense up and get tight.   When I do tense up is when I really don't enjoy running.  So we ran the big hill there about 4 times.  Debbie and I decided not to do the full recovery, and just run it on our own.  I ran up the hill feeling as untense as I ever have, and it was pretty enjoyable.  I actually enjoyed running today!!  Newsflash!!  However, after the hills I did feel quite sick, so that tells me I'm still a little out of whack.  Because of the sick feeling, I took Part B fairly easy, not running the entire length of the street, not recovering fully on the street.  I think I need to wait until I feel better before I hit speedwork hard.  Anyway, all in all it was an enjoyable morning.  And pretty warm too.

PM--3 mile recovery run on the canal road.  It was quite windy, worse than yesterday.  I just tried to not fight the wind, and felt pretty good.  This run was slow, but it felt good.

Stayed inside and ran on the treadmill.  Did about 30 minutes where I alternated fast with slow minutes-1 minute at 8.0mph, 1 min. at 6.0-6.4 mph, no incline.  It was fun, especially the recovery minutes.

Met the group at Parkway Palisades.  I caught the tail end of the warm-up miles.  Then the entire group did about 1 mile warm-up, then we ran pretty much the entire length of the Jr. River parkway trail there.  The group took off as usual.  I enjoyed running with Kris.  We heard some weird noises in the bushes just north of 104th So., like an animal was being attacked by another animal.  Didn't stop to investigate, like apparently Debbie did.  Just kept on running.  I forgot my Garmin today, so I have no clue of pace.  I felt like we were running fairly fast, then I asked Kris what we were doing, and she said about 9:30.  I have no sense of pace.  We ran back the same way we came, once again I have no idea of pace.  I must not forget my Garmin again!  Later, I ran to and from my father's house, so that added about another mile.  I experimented with different running forms, seeing what will help me be more efficient.  I think the high knees and kick back is the best.  At least I hit 6:27 (for probably just a second or two) running like that.  It was a fun running day.  I felt bad that Debbie went to the wrong location because of my erroneous e-mail, but I think she got in a better run than she would have by chasing us, so maybe alls well that ends well.

Decided to hit Lisa's class this morning at the Rec Center.  I realize I could use some more strength, so I need to be less lazy and just get up and go.  Debbie went also.  It was fun, I always enjoy it when I go.  We did some jump roping and ran ladders in the gym.  We then did strength exercises for the lower body.  It all was very challenging to me.  Glad I went.  I then ran about 2 miles upstairs on the track.  That's it for today.

I debated going to meet some of the BBK group for a 12 mile run, but I've been battling a little cold, so I wasn't sure I wanted to run outside in 25 degree weather (or thereabouts).  So I talked myself out of going.  I was thinking of going to the Rec Center and running on the track, but then about 9:30 I decided I felt ok, so I went to the canal road and ran there.  I'm becoming somewhat obsessed about experimenting with different ways of running, trying to figure out what works best.  I think I may have hit on something today, my garmin says I hit 5:40 for my best pace.  I've never been in the 5 minutes before.  Maybe the satellites were out of alignment or something.  Anyway, I did enjoy the run.  I need to start doing longer runs one of these days.