Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured

AM: Met Annette, Jenny and Saskia to run some moderate paced hills.   We had a two mile warm up and then pretty much up or down for the next 4 on the hilly roads in our area (we didn't cover them all) and then 3 miles home after dropping them off.  Again hydration was an issue and I have to figure this out.... 

Avg Pace 8:48

Lunch:  3 miles on the treadmill at the Y watching US Volleyball - could have spent much more time there...too bad I have a job.

Easy miles this morning with Jenny.

Evening run on the hotel treadmill.  I had an early flight and meetings during the day, so the plan was to hit the treadmill and watch the Olympics.  Hotel treadmills are a gamble and this one was not the worst I have been on, but it wasn't to great either.   It was pretty shakey and they only had cable channels - so no Olympics - very unAmerican!    I warmed up for 2 miles and then did 5 miles @ MP with a quick drink break at 2.5 and 4 and then cooled down for 2 more.   MP is still harder than it should be, but I wonder how much of that was just the mental side and staring at a black screen.  

 MP @ 7:47 - a little faster than goal, but also the entire thing was at a 1% incline with no wind. 

Another week where my long run needed to be done before Saturday.  I must say that it is really nice to have it done early.   The past two long runs have been painful and unpleasant, so all I was hoping for today was to feel good, which I did.   We started an hour earlier than the two previous weeks, which meant it was cooler most the time.   I ran 2 miles to meet Annette and then did 4 more with her and dropped her back at her house and GU'd and grabbed a drink.  I did the next 6 meandering my way back to my house and these miles were right about 6 am - the coolest time of the day.  I had brought a water bottle from Annette's and dropped it two miles out from my house - incentive to go back.   I reached my house at mile 12 and GU'd again and grabbed another drink and then ran two more back to my stashed water bottle and then the last two back home.   I ended up with somewhat of a progressive run - super slow, between 8:50 down to 8:20 in the middle and then finished with the last three at marathon pace - 8:04, 8:02 and 7:44.

Lunch: 3 miles on the treadmill at the Y.  Between a couple of work issues and my kids calling left and right, I was pretty fired up and hoping the run would help.  Unfortunately, I had to wait for a treadmill and ended up on one that couldn't change channels, so I was stuck watching the news instead of the Olympics.  I left the gym just as frustrated as I went in........

Up early to get a few miles in before I had to go to a scout training.   My legs were very tired and fatigued along with some stomach issues.    Very easy and slow.

Now, watching the Olympics and so happy for Galen Rupp and Mo Farah!  Very exciting finish!