Running in Life's Slow Lane

1.0 mile at    11:51 (11:51/mi)
2.0 mile at    25:00 (13:09/mi)
2.5 mile at    31:40 (13:20/mi)
3.0 mile at    39:00 (14:40/mi)
3.5 mile at    45:50 (13:40/mi)
4.0 mile at    52:10 (12:40/mi)
4.5 mile at    59:21 (14:22/mi)
5.0 mile at 1:06:00 (14:22/mi) -- 13:12/mi average

This was one of those workouts where I knew even as I tied my shoes that it was going to be rough. The busy weekend that resulted in not getting to bed until 0130 today left my legs lifeless and me without much excitement about running. Lack of energy and sleep showed in my very slow pace. In the entire scheme of things the slow pace is no problem because I got the distance done which burns calories and endurance but wow, it was tough.

If I get to run my planned 3.1 miles tomorrow once I arrive in Virginia, it should feel like a vacation after today's run.

Location: Lawton, Oklahoma
Temp: 59F
Humidity: 24%
Wind: NW 15-20mph
Conditions: Dry, clear -- beautiful view of the Wichita Mtn range after the turn around pt

Asics Gel 1120 - 278.13
 

2.25 miles in 27:10 (12:05/mi pace)

My "schedule" called for 3.1 miles today but I wimped out. Nice run though with no major aches or pains and while my mind was on work frustrations it was not busy telling me how much I didn't want to run. I got through it and at a pace nice enough to work my heart and lungs.

I plan to sleep well tonight and eat well tomorrow so here's hoping I get to a full 30 minutes or more on the next workout.

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia

3.63 miles in 42:34 (11:44/mi)

Today's goal was a 45:00 run but I got back to the car before the time was up. Just as well since I was definitely tired. Trying not to focus on distance or pace and instead just focus on getting good workout time. Around 0.5 mile I got the side stitch again so that makes a full week of runs bothered with pains in the right side. Did my best to relax, breathe deep and take my mind off the pain. I don't remember when it stopped so clearly it didn't turn into a huge factor.

Location: Chesapeake, Va

2.66 miles in 31:14 (11:45 pace)

Ran through the park and down the road towards a residential neighborhood. I really need to get a new route since this one is becoming a bit too familiar. This weekend is supposed to be really nice so I am flirting with a run along the promenade at Virginia Beach and perhaps scouting some other runs in the area. Some of the routes that I have scouted thus far would be okay except they are really heavy with traffic around the times I like to do my jogging.

Really need to get me a running hat. The balding head does not want sunburned and with my hair thinning there is nothing to keep the torrents of sweat from reaching my eyes or ears.

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia

Asics Gel 1120 - 286.67

3.34 miles in 44:55 (13:24/mi)
6 strides of about 0.05 mile in length (19+, 20+, 18+, 18+, 19+, 17+ seconds)

One of the first runs I have done in full sun and warm temps so my body reacted accordingly. I walked a few times and about 0.5 mile was spent running on the grass along the baseball fields. No real objective to this run other than get my workout in and enjoy it as much as I could.

Today I tried out the notion of running strides. The parking area between the dog park and the kids' playground seemed about the right length and I ran through there going one direction before walking back as part of the recovery. I felt very fluid but didn't feel how hard I was working until I got to the end of each rep and could feel how hard I was breathing.

Location: Chesapeake, Va

Asics Gel 1120 - 290.31

1.0 mile @ 10:03
2.0 mile @ 22:17 (11:09/mi)
3.1 mile @ 35:04 (11:19/mi)

On a lark I went out to the City Center of Newport News, Virginia and ran the 7th Annual Junior League of Hampton Roads 5K this morning. The area was beautiful and the race seemed well organized. Many people like myself registered this morning and I was happy to take bib #190.

Walked and jogged a bit before finding the start line. Lots and lots of serious runners in the crowd. Made me feel a bit trollish to have my slowness in such a fast looking group. No shame in being in the back of the pack though. Someone has to be there.

The first mile was WAY too fast. I have no business running anything close to a 10:00 pace if I am going the distance. If it had been a long downhill perhaps but since this was a flat course I was not being helped by gravity. Even running too fast I was at the far end of the pack by the first mile mark. I must say though, it is a remarkably enjoyable site to see a long line of folks outfitted in bright running gear trodding along together in the bright morning sun. You probably don't get to take in that site when you are running up front.

My second mile was where I needed it to be but the nagging side stitch showed up again. I applied all my old tricks of deep breathing, stretching, etc. and couldn't shake it. So when I hit the 2 mile mark I stopped and walked past the water table just focusing on letting everything settle down. I estimate that I had to walk about 0.2 mile. Picking up my stride from there it was amazing how relaxed I felt.

The last 1.1 mile was probably at my usual 11:30ish pace or perhaps slower. A nice young woman that stood about 6' tall came along and I used her to maintain my pacing. I felt bad when about 0.25 from the finish I kicked into high gear for the finish. It's not as though you are trying to best them at that point but ... ya know? Anyhow I got my pace up to about 9:30/mi as I crossed the line. It was all I had in that short distance and I quickly found a nice planting behind the edge of a building in case my feeling of nausea turned into something more serious.

After I had gained my breath I stood at the finish line and applauded some of the later finishers. I think that is the best part really, getting to see people crossing the line with "I did the whole thing!" or shouts of "We did it!" Makes you remember that not every run has to be a race against something. Instead some races are FOR something.

Did another lap through the area to enjoy the morning followed by some long stretches before climbing back in the car.

Location: Newport News, Va

Asics Gel 1120 - 294.51