The Long Run

Nice Monday morning run.  To start out the week, as usual, I did split run inside and outside.  Went to the Y and ran 4.62 miles on the treadmill at about 8:10 pace average.  Did some time on the bike as well as stretching and core work and then headed outside.

Ran another 5.24 miles at 7:38 average pace.  It was cool, sunny and slightly breezy, not too shabby.

I think any tightness and minor aches that were starting on Saturday feel like they are all gone.

Clear, cool, crisp, and sunny at the end.  High 30's start temperature.  Started running just before 7:00.   Took a couple of miles to feel warmed up.   Wanted to take it nice and easy at least at first then run whatever felt right.  I ran on an out and back course up Starkey Blvd along the bike path.   Felt pretty good right before the turnaround.   Sun was up and felt kind of nice while passing the frost covered grass.   Wore my fuel belt and sipped on accelerade once or twice each mile.

Average pace: 7:47

Before starting my Tuesday run it seems like there is too much to still do, but afterwards it all seems manageable.  No speed or tempo tomorrow, just another regular run.

I had a deadline of 8:00 to be back home so I had to get up a little bit earlier.  Didn't feel like starting out in the cold so I went to the Y so I could split up my run between inside and outside.   Warmed up on the bike, then did a little bit of stretching and core work.  4.1 miles on the treadmill at just under 8:00 pace.   On the way into the Y I ran into David and was chatting with him for a bit.   So, by the time I was all done with the treadmill and ready to start my outside portion I saw the time was 7:10.   I had wanted a total of 10 miles for the morning but now I wasn't sure if I would make it.

I decided I'd go out as far as I could get in 20 minutes and then turn around, if the return trip was faster I'd circle around the parking lot until 7:50 and then go home.  Just ran and didn't look at the pace and tried not to go into "tempo mode".  First mile ended up at 7:31, then the next 4 right about 7:00.   Felt good.  Just missed getting in 10 miles but I'll make that up tomorrow.

Made it home in time.   Jenny went for her run and I took the boys to school.  Busy day today with Jenny's Mom and sister coming into town for the Disney Princess race this weekend, which they are all going to run together.  If all goes well, maybe Jenny will help her mom knock 30 minutes off her half marathon time (without being too pushy :)  ).

Ran one loop around the neighborhood then headed out to Trinity Oaks neighborhood, and then back home.  Shins felt a little bit tight for the first few miles but gradually loosened up.  Weather was great.  Able to think about things and really enjoy the run.

It was one of those runs which started out so-so but then got better until I felt great at the end.  Hope for more runs like this.

Average pace: 7:38

Also, I should have blogged this earlier as I'm pretty sure I had more to write about it.

Easy 10 miles this morning with Joe. Met up in Starkey park just after 6:30. Started out slow, got a little bit faster but kept it at an easy pace. Very nice morning, not cold at all, sunny and clear.  On the way back we saw Nelson at a water stop so he ran with us for the last 2 miles. 

Average pace: 8:20

Big week of running next week.

After the run, abbreviated social hour, then headed home to get ready to go to Orlando.