Dixies Dashing Diary

Ran with Mark this morning. We did the 7-11 to Hidden Acres run. We did loops in the neighborhood on the "mini hills" to simulate a real hill workout. It really was a great workout considering I kept wondering just how many of these things Mark was going to make us do. I think I'm mentally tougher for the challenge.

Did four strides at the end of our run up the church hill. We basically ran up a long driveway (60-70 yards) to stretch the legs and cap off a nice morning run. I didn't actually want to do the strides but Mark said that Jenny does them...

Time: 6:05 AM  Total Time: 1:06:39 (8:15 avg)  Temp: 74'ish

Ran Dunedin causway with Jordan. It was ubelievably hot, especially when the wind died down a bit. I'm tired after a long day but glad I did the run.

Time:7:30 pm   Temp: 87 degrees   Total Time: 53:04

It was late. I was tired. No one was home. I had to get a run in. I thought to myself "there really is no excuse. Go do the miles!"  So I did. 7.1 easy, aerobic, sweaty, miles. It was actually kind of cool compared to the last few nights but still very humid.  The hardest part is the leg that gives me an extra mile on this loop. I have to turn left and run the opposite direction of the house. What a head game I play trying to force myself to run that "extra mile."

It's worth it somewhere down the road I'm sure. At least worth the blueberry,chocolate hammer gel smoothie I made after the run. Perfect recovery drink loaded with antioxidents, complex carbs, and icey splendor. I hope that, combined with the tuna pasta with peppers, oregeno, sprinkled parmasian and garlic hot sause made the perfect culinary delight to end a long day and a hot run. I spent about 45 minutes cooling down in the pool first...

Time: 9:00 pm   Total Time: 1:02:29  Temp: 81 degrees/81% humidity

I ran so slow last night that tonight I just felt like stretching the legs a bit. I put my Precisions on and just went out with a comfortable stride and long deep breaths. I ended up doing a 4.37 mile tempo with an average pace of 7:19. Though my legs were getting tired at the end, I actually felt pretty comfortable most of the way.

Obviously this is not the blazing 5K speed that many of the Strider men ran this past weekend but I'll take it for now. My goal is not a fast 5K but rather a 3:30 marathon. Let me qualify for Boston and then I'll focus on running a fast 5K (although I don't know if I have the genes for it...I'd love to train to break 20 minutes!!!).

Time: 8:15 PM    Total Time: 31:59; 8 minute jogging cool down and 5 minutes walking

Temp: 81 degrees/ 81% humidity

Mark graciously agreed to run with me this morning from Longleaf. He had to do 18. I needed 15 to hit my 40. The deal is, he runs my pace to the 10 mile point, I head back and try to finish without walking and he tries to run the next 6 miles in 6:50 pace. Not a bad arrangement. I got my 15 in (though I struggled the last 2 miles, I did not walk!) he got a nice warm up and flew for 6 miles, ending with a nice 2 mile cool down.

Wins today:

• I'm grateful that I'm still running injury free.
• I made my 15 today without walking.
• I did fairly well through 13 (I haven't had a strong 13 mile since Keith and I ran Duneding causeway).
• There was chocolate milk and watermelon waiting at the end of the run

Challenges today:

• I'm disappointed that I'm not finishing these long runs any stronger.
• Am I running too fast, too far too soon, or am I just impatient?
• Still stuggling with the heat. I guess this is just universal and I've got to man up and slow down!

Time: 5:47 am  Total Time: 2:10:29 (avg. 8:42/mi) 

Temp: 76 degrees, 91% humidity