Cool Runnings!

Had to watch the children today, so after I put them to bed, I got on the treadmill.  Walked a mile to warm up at an incline of 1.0, then ran two miles.

First mile:  7:30

Second mile:  6:55

Both miles were run at an incline of 1.0 to better simulate running outside.  Felt good both miles, again focused on my running form.  Soon I would like to incorporate some additional techniques into my workouts - bounding, striding, etc. that will help my muscles to "remember" proper form and technique while running.  I hope that and the weight I have lost will help me to avoid injuries again.

Same run as normal - walk 1.5 miles, run 2 miles, walk 1 mile.  This routine varies in terms of how much I walk before and after, depending on which route I take.  Since the roads here are cambered, I try to switch directions each time.  Running splits were as follows:

1st mile:  7:09

2nd mile:  7:10

I have to admit that this run was a bit more difficult - this could be due to the fact that while I was walking, I was also doing intervals of bounding and skipping to work on my form.  This may have tired out my legs a bit.  In any case, I am still feeling good and looking forward to continuing with this routine for a few more weeks before adding mileage.

Same ol' same ol'.  This time walked 1 mile, then ran 2 miles, then walked 1.5 miles - did my normal route in the opposite direction.  Mile splits were as follows:

1st mile:  7:19 - felt good, was able to maintin pace easily

2nd mile:  6:17 (gasp!) - and I though the mile I did last week in 6:30 was fast . . . I totally did not anticipate this.  I will admit that I was breathing pretty hard at the end of the run, but I had not looked at my watch until I hit the split button, then I did a double-take when I saw the time.

I am certain that the faster times have at least something to do with an improvement in technique, but it also gives me hope that maybe I didn't lose as much fitness during my downtime as I had originally thought.