The Long Run

2.28 mi, 23:22, 10:15 avg

Shorter run in the evening with Stella.  Morning was a little bit hectic and was also thinking that taking the day off altogether might help.  But, after dinner was going to take Stella for a walk but since it was cold out (45ish) running would be warmer and Stella can always use burning off some excess energy.  We went around the neigborhood loop with side trips to the two parks to drop off pet waste bags.

7.22 mi, 59:54, 8:18 avg

Started off from Longleaf near the little church, about 7:00 start time.  Striders had left already except for Karen and Barb and Karen's three dogs.  Didn't see anyone else.  Was faster by the third mile, a litte faster on the 4th mile, then under 8:00 for miles 5 and 6, followed by mile 7 at 6:47 pace.  Legs felt pretty good overall (not great the first two miles but I knew they'd warm up).  Felt great to pick it up for just one mile, glad I did.

Did part of cannonball cool down after the run as well as a few sets of pull-ups.  Little bits of stretching are starting to help, especially a couple of sun salutations before I go to bed at night.

Less than 9 miles to go!

5.42 mi, 52:35, 9:42 avg

Run in the neighborhood with Joe and Jamie, cool 52 degrees nice.  Started a little earlier than usual of late - 6:30, although I almost slept through the alarm.

Almost at 2,000 miles.

Push-ups: 66

2.62 mi, 26:34, 10:08 avg

I was planning on getting over 2000 miles for the year today but a series of events caused me to miss it.  I was starting my run a little bit later and then got a call from Jessica.  She had a flat tire, so I had to turn around and head back to pick them up and take them to school.  I did get into work a little bit earlier so I was able to leave in what I thought was enough time to get in a run before dinner.  My kids, my parents, and myself were trying to meet up for dinner before my parents left town to see my brother.  Thursday night happened to open up when we could all make it, so we decided on meeting at Brick Oven Pizza at 6:30.  I left work at 5:00 but it took over 45 minutes to get home.

Headed out on my run as soon as I got home and had time for just 2.6 miles before needing to jump in the shower.  Dinner was great, thankful that it worked out.

Less than 1 mile to go for 2,000!

4.17 mi, 38:18, 9:12 avg

Solo run from my house, past the golf course, and onto Trinity Blvd for a bit until just past 2 miles, then turned back.  Finally finished 2,000 miles for the year!

Total (warm up, race, cool down): 6.14 mi, 52:27 , 8:32 avg

Race: 3.16 mi, 22:07, 7:00 avg

Last race before turning 51.  Nice morning, temps right at 60 degrees, mostly sunny.  I've run the 10k here a couple of times, wanted to try the 5k.  I did a little bit better getting near the start line than last year but still had some weaving to do.  First mile ends at the top of the Clearwater bridge.  I was struggling and part of me thought about just jogging it out but I mostly pushed those thoughts away.  I thought, just get to the top of the bridge and see what you can pick up on the way down.  I manage 6:58 for the first mile, and on the way down the bridge I was running about a 6:15 pace.  After reaching to the bottom, the course runs out a little bit farther onto the causeway and then turns around, crossing the street to the other side and running along the bike path.  Mile 2 ends at the start of the bridge ascent.  I had lost my speed from the downhill and ended mile 2 with 7:00 pace.  I passed some people going up the bridge but lost a lot of speed.  Just make it to the top I thought.  I crested over the top and headed down the other side before reaching the helix sidewalk down to the street.  There's a tight turn at the bottom and then some uphill on a sidestreet going to Osceola Ave.  I was inching my pace back down to 7:00 (and maybe a second or two below) when the mile suddenly ended.

Turned the corner onto Drew St for the homestretch.  Clock came into view with a some time on it left to come in under 22:00, but as fast as I ran I saw the clock tick past 22:00.  I was catching up to a young lady and it seemed like I was close to passing her or thought I actually did pass her but she finished just ahead of me and was 3rd place female.

I asked for my little finisher's receipt with time, pace, and place and was surprised to see "Division Place: 1"

Has some pancakes after doing a cool down and stayed for awards.  I was a little bummed that my pace was about the same as what I did for the 10k last year.  But, at the same time happy to get a temporary break from dead legs (replaced with slightly slower legs but still moving fast enough to not be slow).  Saw a few people I knew - Lynn (but no Anthony), Ellen, (Magic Pants) Robin

It was a good morning overall, and maybe it will light a little fire to do better next time.  5K's are fun because it's one of the few races that you can get better at by running more 5k's

Later in the day I watched the parade in downtown Palm Harbor where Aubrey was marching with the Panther's cheer leaders.  In the evening, Jessica and I went to the office Christmas party