I did the unthinkable today - I ran without a watch! I have a Polar 625x that is coupled with a foot pod to measure running pace and miles. I love it. I have found it to be very accurate, within 0.1 mile with minimal calibration and usually even closer to actual mileage. I go out every run, even if it is an unfamiliar course, and I know about what my pace and mileage are. It has also been nice because now I can be running and know what my pace is just by feeling the wind in my hair. But today, today I left it at home and had one of those "run like you were a kid day." I ran a normal course, so I knew it was 6 miles, but I didn't let heart rate or pace dictate my run. I enjoyed the sun, nature, and even got to see two deer feeding off the side of the trail: one doe and one year male with fuzzy spike antlers. I think too often I get caught up in my pace, even when I am running recovery or easy miles. It was a nice change of pace (no pun intended). Saturday it will be back to the pacer when I run my long run. I have been running my long runs in Bend, OR, which is about 3500-4000', and after June, all my runs will be in Bend. That is about 3300' higher than the Portland Marathon, so I hope the "altitude" training will translate to a faster marathon time.
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