Relentless

morning - 4x1600's on the track. A pretty disappointing workout. I ran out to the school - 3 miles - to warmup. And thought that I could probably get about 5:10, since I was getting 5:00's on the treadmill. Boy was I wrong. 1st - 5:20. Wasn't thinking right when I was calculating my needed splits and ran too slow on the first lap by 5 seconds. So I thought I wasn't too far off, considering 1st is usually a little harder to get into. 2nd - 5:24. Now I am bugged because I am working much harder and went slower. 3rd - usually the hardest, and it was. 5:30. I was really bothered by how I couldn't hit the times I wanted. 4th - 5:30 again. At least I hit 4, but I was tired and a bit angry with myself. Recovered 1/2 mile (5:00) between and jogged 3 home for total of 12.5 for workout. Overall I was upset about my lack of speed. I really thought I would be stronger. That is one thing about the treadmill - even though I know it is not MY true speed, at least I can't give up; I've got to keep pushing even when I am tired. On the track, when I feel tired I naturally slow up; even just 1 sec. per 200 adds up quick on a 1600. (Cumulus)

PM - 4 on treadmill at 7:30 and 1% for recovery. (Cumulus)

RHR-47

AM - 4.5 on treadmill at 7:30 and 1%. Was way tired and legs were in shuffle step mode. (Cumulus)

afternoon - 9 GS/PowerL/Middleton Trail.  Trail was nice and compact from recent rains.  Ran miles 1 and 2 with an athlete as well as the last two with another athlete from my team.  Middle section was pretty good.  ave. 7:10.  Good recovery run.

RHR-49

AM - 6 on treadmill at 7:30 1% 1st mile, then increased pace to 6:58 and 2%, 3% for two miles, 2%, 1%. Good long sustained hill workout. (Cumulus)

afternoon - 8 on the River run. Felt a bit tired and worn out. The time was actually pretty decent, but not the best on this run 6:54. I just tried to keep it backed off a little to have some legs for tomorrow's 18. I would like to run a good 2nd half of that run to continue improving my marathon weaknesses.

(scale still no batteries, and keep forgetting to take pulse)

afternoon - Quail Creek run. I do this run in three segments. First and Second 5 miles, both just over 35 minutes each. Then after a hard .75 mile climb, I start the third which is marathon pace for the rest of the run. When I finished the climb at 10.75 I noticed the wind was blowing quite a bit up above Quail in the Industrial Park - and I knew my chances for marathon pace were not there, but I could still push myself and run hard. Shortly, the wind got worse; then worse; and just when I thought that it couldn't get any worse - It Got Worse. It was right up there with the top one or two windy runs I can ever remember. I struggled to keep my pace anywhere near 7:00. the wind basically stood me up and pushed me backward in some spots. Needless to say, I didn't hit my marathon pace for the last section, but the effort was maybe even greater. By the time I dropped back into Washington, the winds were just gusty. It didn't matter, however. I was so tired from the effort I was just happy to be able to keep shuffling toward home.

Legs still a bit tired, but feet felt better in new pair of Landreth II's.

Since the NB 755's are now retired here is my review of them: Don't be deceived by the initial cushiony feel of this neutral shoe. Within a week of wearing them, the forefoot had lost most of its softness and my feet hurt every run in them since. The shoe is heavy and from the beginning felt very clunky on my foot (As opposed to the Asics Landreth and Cumulus that seem to glide across the road). For the first time ever, I heard my own footsteps as I literally pounded the pavement. The one thing I liked was the lack of wear on the rubber. I do wish Asics would hold up as well on the sole as this shoe did. Miles on the New Balance 755's - 469.0

afternoon - up Millcreek Trail to end of powerlines.  A good run .  Didn't wear watch because I thought it might rain - I have had too many watches ruined by the rain.  But it didn't.  Instead it snowed on me a bit when I crossed into the desert reserve.  Legs really loosed up on the way back and pace was pretty good. (Landreth)

RHR-47 

morning - club run around into Green Valley up onto Parkway and back by way of Main. I struggled much of the run. I was so tired getting up (had stayed up much later than usual watching the state basketball semis (go PV, sorry Judge guys). So it took a long time for me to get into it. Clyde made a strong surge on the Parkway and Steve went with him, so I decided I needed to as well. From there I just tried to hang on as they picked it up to marathon pace when we hit the trail, diagonal, and main. Pace was right on for those 3 miles (5:54, 5:51, 5:48). Then I finally loosened up and pushed up in front to take my turn leading and pushed the last mile in at 5:41. Then 1/2 cool down. Ave. pace 6:48. (Landreth)

PV went on to win again Saturday night - State Champs! Maybe some of that enthusiasm will carry over into track (in my dreams!)

Did well with the week goals. Good mileage. Made up for windy finish on Thursday with a good push at the end of Sat. Mile repeats weren't that great, but I'll bounce back.

Goals for next week: Give myself a little break with the start of track and nearing the end of the quarter. Back mileage back down to 65ish. No two-a-days this week. But have 7 strong 1/2's Monday and get a long run in on Saturday or maybe Friday.