The Long Run

I went to the Y mainly to workout in general and to get in a small run to start off the week.  I also wanted to try out my new Brooks T7 racers I've had almost two months now but haven't worn due to not racing.  Wanted to see how they'd feel and realize I can pretty much wear anything I want on the treadmill, the lighter the better.

So, after some stretching and light cardio on a bike and elliptical I got onto the treadmill for a bit.  Average pace: 8:51

After the running, I did some weights and upped my bench press from last week.  I was surprised at how much I could still lift since it had been so long.

I wasn't sure if I was going today but decided to give it a try after yesterday being off from running.  I'm torn between "active recovery" and rest from running.  I think I'm getting better with the running while keeping the mileage and intensity down vs. not running.  But, it's hard to tell.

I ran with Jenny in the neighborhood, a little achey at the start, but felt better by the end.

Average pace: 8:54

P.M. - attended Jenny's boot camp class.  It was quite challenging and had a lot of great exercises especially for runners.  There were 11 people (including me) and that was with two of the regulars not showing up.  When she started this class there were only 3 people.

Started out with Jenny, Lisa, and Jamie, ran together for a few miles then went ahead a little.  Felt pretty good (I'm getting there!).  Nice to go a little farther and slightly faster without pushing it too much.

Average pace: 8:21

Started out with Jenny, Lisa, and Jamie and had a guest appearance from Cherise.  Felt pretty good today.  Started out easy, and picked it up a little bit after about 2 miles.

Kind of sore this morning from Jenny's Wednesday evening boot camp class.

Average pace: 8:14

Coolish at the start, warmer at the end. Ran with  Eudair for last 6 miles. Felt good on the last mile.

I had started out this morning pretty unmotivated and still slightly sore.  Showed up at Starkey about 6:45.  There were a few other Striders there but most were at the Miles for Moffit race today.  By the time I finished getting ready to run everyone else had started.  Got going by myself and then somewhere around 1.5 - 2 miles I saw Mike and Eudair.  Eudair turned around and ran back out with me.  We took it pretty slow out to the 4 mile point.

On the way back she asked if I was going to speed up and I told her I didn't think so.

But, we had a nice progression from 8:14 down to 7:28 in the last mile.  Not really trying or pushing too hard, just letting the pace naturally pick up.

Average pace: 8:30

So, I relearned a valuable lesson, never to underestimate the rejuvenating power of a run (i.e. feeling much better at the end than at the beginning).