Running in Life's Slow Lane

Today's splits ---
11:57
12:23
12:32
12:27
12:26
12:39
01:15 (0.1 mi)
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6.1 miles - 12:24/mi avg pace -- 735 cal

Yesterday was Parents' Day at Kristoffer's camp AND our 20th wedding anniversary, so Teresa and I slept a little late in the hotel this morning. We were still on the trail at Lake Hefner Park before 8 am and managed to push ourselves for 6 miles. My calves were a big problem and I used them as an excuse to stop and walk about 0.1 mile at the beginning of each mile segment. Hence all the splits are much slower than usual.

In addition to the calves, I had cramps in my left foot and a stitch in my right side. Then, as if that was not enough, I of course had both feet going numb around the 2.50 mile mark. That is becoming a regular problem with my left foot going numb first, then the right foot and slowly over a mile or more it passes. Consistently it seems to start in the 2.25-2.50 mile area. Annoying as heck.

Got the distance done though it may have been done in a furious waddle to the finish line.

Location: Lake Hefner Park, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Today's splits ---
11:34
11:56
13:10 *walked about 0.25 mi
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3.0 mile -- 12:17/mi avg pace -- 373 cal

Somebody send me a dose of motivation!

This is the third day in a row that I have just not wanted to run. Even while I am running I try to turn every bit of discomfort into an excuse to stop. I have no idea why I am feeling this way after having a great start to last week and finishing with a mileage PR. If I were to guess I would say that I am not loving the 6am wake up times. I've just got to get to bed early enough to get a full 7.5 hours and face the day with a rested mind.

Location: Lawton, Oklahoma

Today's splits ---
10:58 (What! This is a crazy pace. Slow down.)
11:18
12:02 (Paying for that first mile)
11:25
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4.0 miles -- 11:26/mi avg pace -- 509 cal

Finally, a run that didn't feel too tortuous. I was feeling the calves and the numb feet enough that I considered stopping around the 2.75 mark (probably why the pace was so slow) but told myself I needed at least 3 miles for a decent workout. Once I got to the 3 mile mark there was no way I was going to stop. Amazing the tricks we play in our own minds.

Janis Joplin was not much to look at but that woman could sing some serious soulful tunes. She accompanied my run today and I actually had to join along on a few choruses. Not that my breathless mumbling could be identified as singing by a passerby.

Location: Lawton, Oklahoma

Today's splits ---
11:31
11:46
12:02
1:06
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3.1 miles -- 11:45/mi avg pace -- 379 cal

Today was scheduled for 5 miles but I decided to cut it short. I just didn't feel "the love" this morning and rather than push through I wimped out. My goal is to cut back the mileage a bit this week, try to get plenty of sleep, eat well, in general do all the right things. Definitely going to take Saturday off.

Hope all this helps as we are drawing close to our next 5K on July 5th.

Location: Lawton, Oklahoma

Today's splits ---
10:45
11:14
10:57 (stopped to rest at 2.25 mi)
11:10 (stopped to rest at 3.25 mi)
08:59 (0.5mi - took a break and walked)
10:33 (yay! almost home)
4:07 (0.25mi - walk to the house)
----------------------------------
5.75 mi -- 11:48/mi avg pace -- 721 cal

Because of stomach discomfort I did not get to start my run until after 9am which meant it was HOT! As a result I ran when I felt like it and rested when I needed. Luckily there are a few places (very few) along the route where a tree is close enough to the edge of the road to provide shade. I picked those as my rest points and stopped at each for a minute or two to wipe myself down with the damp towel I carried along.

Though I was a bit worried about the stomach it feels okay after the run which means I had better get showered and into the office.

Location: Lawton, Oklahoma

Today's splits ---
12:06
11:43
12:01
12:08
07:11 (*walked 0.35 mi to the house)
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4.35 mi -- 12:41/mi avg pace -- 517 cal

The legs were tired but once I had made it to 2.75 mi I knew I could finish the entire 4 miles. I really think I am outrunning what my legs are ready to do on some days. If I were smarter I would probably try to keep myself in the 11:30-11:45/mi range for most of my miles. Big IF.

Gorgeous morning to run through. The scissor-tailed flycatchers and western kingbirds seemed very active during my run, flying from fences and overhead wires as we ran past.

Location: Lawton, Oklahoma

No miles for me today.

Stayed overnight in Oklahoma City after seeing Kristoffer's performance as Motel in Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. Had to have him checked out of the camp dorm by noon so we stayed around, had a nice lunch and then made the drive home.

Tomorrow we try for 7 miles but keep the rest of the week moderate as we prepare for Saturday's 5K.

Location: Lawton, Oklahoma