I only run on days that end in a "y."

I planned on doing some cross training today but when I arrived at the gym the spinning class was full.  I hemmed and hawed and decided to go out for a run. 

I went out on a "Zen" run - no watch, no mileage, no pace, no time.  I took a completely new course so I had no idea how far I had run.  It was a perfect morning; overcast, misty, and a slight breeze.  I was a great run.  I came back to the gym in just over an hour, so I will put 7 miles down as a good estimate by effort.  I think I will do more of these.  It is liberating to be unencumbered from technology for once.

Cross training today - tough spinning class - 55 minutes some points power peaked over 400 watts.  It was good.

Nice morning for a run - high 40's.  I had not planned route and had an idea about what mileage I wanted.  Ran a new route and worked my way back.  Ended up with exactly 10 miles - how about that.  Paces were in the high 8:00s to start and down below 8:00's for the last couple.  Legs felt pretty good but I can tell they are still not at 100% but close.

5 super easy/recovery miles - high 8:00's. I am trying to keep below 50 this week since it is only my second week after the marathon. 

Great morning for running - no one else on the road these days - not sure where everyone is.  I only saw 2 other runners.  

During this morning's run I contemplated how fortunate I am with the area of town I live in.  I can literally choose routes in every direction from my house.  I have flat courses, rolling hills, and mega hills, and even trails if I choose.   I have lived in this house over 3 years and found a new route yesterday that I really enjoy.  It has some nice rollers and then some flat parts.  Ran it again this morning but took it a couple miles further. 

 Today I ran by feel most of the way though I glanced at my pace occasionally. Hit some good aerobic base miles.  Most miles in the 7:50-8:05 range with the last at 7:45. 

OK - so the plan going forward is to start pushing the aerobic pace miles a bit.  I would like to stay in the 7:50 - 8:05 range. Somewhat warm but overcast and a breeze.  

 I ran 8 miles @ overall 7:52 pace.  

Since it is my birthday today I was thinking something special to do tomorrow to celebrate - say a 400m repeat for every year.  That would be 43 x 400m so I will probably chicken out and not do it.

My 3 year old daughter decided to wake up and have a party at 3 am.  We could never quite get her back to sleep.  After getting up around 5:30 I stayed with her so my wife could sleep in.  By the time I made it out the door for a run a front had moved through with 30MPH winds and some light rain.  I ran the mega hilly route out and came back the flatter but still steady incline route back in.  I had to fight the winds from 5-8.  I wanted to drop the hammer a bit on 7-10 but found it difficult with the wind.  When I got back I replenished my glycogen stores with a piece of my "chocolate explosion" birthday cake and washed it down with a hot cup of coffee.  Nice!

 8:05, 7:37, 7:37, 7:38, 7:58, 7:48, 7:54, 7:20, 7:15, 6:56.

 OK, so the new qualifying procedures were explained to me last night and I had to go reread them.  So, after registration opens to all others it is not first come first serve like I had thought.  Being accepted will still be based on time.  Therefore, the more that one has beat his or her qualifying time the better.  If one just "made it" then the chances of being accepted are less, of course.  So having a 3:17 should put me in pretty good shape if there are still spots left.  I guess we will see when the time comes.

If the field size is not reached after the first week and additional space remains, then registration will open to all qualifiers at the beginning of Week Two (September 19) and those who have met the qualifying standards by any amount of time will be able to apply for entry. The application process will remain open for the entire week, closing on September 23. At the conclusion of Week Two, those who are the fastest among the pool of applicants in their age and gender will be accepted. Accepted athletes will be notified on September 28.