You get out what you put in

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/360055607

Mon-can't recall run, probably some burn-out/emo/verbal processing/blurry forget to run

Tues-run w/ Mark at Sugarhouse, one time round, then did some hill repeats on 2nd time round, then L-pull ups, saw Carol, ran w/ her 2 min easy, 2 min cruise for another loop, about 1 1/2 hrs total, 5 miles +, was sore for ball, 4 on 4, plasyed pretty smart, I'm not lazy enuf to guard my guy at the 3 point line, shooter burned me a few times, Steve/Mark?

Wed-raquetball w/ Matt, did bench press, leg press, calves, weighted row, chin-ups, cleans with weighted bar, leg curls, right hamstring sore

Th-w/ Nate from homestead canal to 3rd crossing South, 45 minutes, then 3 hard strides, possible tweaked left knee 6.5m, a little faster pace than I would have gone, marathon +

Fri-rest, was an afternoon PE sub but need some down time, not sure about how I'll feel tomorrow, want to race but the fitness I've gained this week may take away, but in the long run I know I'll be faster, probably good for the 10 miler and the future

Course was great. Warmed up just a mile and stretched by the police car. Had the plan of running easy for 3 miles and then pushing it. We got out and there was an immediate pack of about 20 people that I was running with, I tried to just tuck in but I was a little on the edge of the pack. 6:42 split for 1st mile someone said, then 6:50 for 2nd mile. BK was up in no-man's-land and Steve and Liis joined him. I asked Steve if he was going to break away on the return and he said he was just trying to run even. I was troubled by holding back since I had made such a mistake in the 10K, but at 3 miles I really had to mentally push it to catch up to BK, Liis, and Steve. They had been joined by Ben who was running erratically, changing paces a lot, acc. to BK. I had to employ the mental tactic of counting how many seconds I was away from them and being satisfied that I was closing the gap. 10 seconds seemed to take 3/4 of a mile to close. Once I did catch up to Steve and Liis, I just tucked in with them until the turnaround. Time there was 31:50
The 2nd half was a race to the finish. 1st Devra went by us like she'd come to the race late and was playing catch-up, no one went with her. Then Richard M (fluorescent green/yellow) went by and I tried to go with him. I'd passed him between 2 and 3, he'd been pacing a girl. He surprisingly caught Devra. Nan K had also cruised on by us (orange shirt). I obviously didn't stay with Rich for long, but I stayed with Steve through mile 6 cause he told me we were on 6:50 pace. He closed the gap to BK while I lagged off with Liis tailing me. My sights were set on Nan, followed by BK and Steve, who all were catching Eric G, a tall 49 year old guy in fluorescent yellow/green. (I'd seen him earlier in the week running at Sugarhouse.) My realistic goal was to catch him and between 6 and 7 I got within 7 seconds of them. Then between 7 and 8 the mind/body connection deteriorated and I started second-guessing the fact that I was now racing the distance that has been my long run. Translation, the wheels fell off. Now I was just holding on, I had no one to catch (they were a minute ahead) and no one to run away from (my sidelong glances back didn't reveal anyone). I knew Liis was behind and was prepared to be motivated to go with anyone who caught me, but the last two miles were just the lovely painful blur to the end. I felt like I picked up my pace at the 8 mile mark, only minutely realizing that this was not one mile to go, when I saw the real 1 mile to go I kept on going. We were passing the early starters who were mostly walkers, and I turned around and clapped/cheered for Liis and said, "Let's go!" It's funny cause I know that psychologically it's good to be cheered on but I also know when someone in front of you cheers you that means two things, he still has something left, and he's a nice guy that you feel bad to beat. :-)

Matt J cheered me on and ran me in 2/10ths to go. I remember audibly breathing/grunting pushing myself with at least 1/2 mile to go to the end. My effort seemed to be appreciated by the finishing crowd. I was happy to see a negative split. 31:15 on the return. 6:51/mile out 6:43/mile back. Also was 20 seconds faster than 2 years ago so can't be unhappy with that.

Afterwards cooled down with BK just a little, he told me that he's been racing every weekend. He is a self-described diesel engine that gets a rhythm and plows on. Kudos to him. Didn't get a chance to beat Richard, and Eleanor is out of my area code, she's going to be phenomenal. Got to figure out what my next race is, maybe the half in April, need to build base and enjoy and progress this fitness.

In all a great series, helped me thru some emotional trials I've been experiencing. Following Christ is a painful process, the eradication of sin in myself and others is glorious and freeing and purifying and painful.