All it takes is all you've got

6:30 a.m. headlamp mountain bike ride up Canyon Hollow down Rush. Legs pretty tired from Saturday.

10 a.m. Vo2 Max test at Lifetime Fitness. Probably should have done this more rested, but they offered me a free test since I'm doing a trial membership right now. I was just curious because I've never had a Vo2 Max test done.

Unfortunately my legs were too flat from Saturday to really push myself for very long. Only got through 5 miles with the trainer bumping up the pace every 2 minutes. I still got some useful information though. 

He said my heart rate never got over 160 bpm, and based on my oxygen output he's certain my max is much higher than that. Said my Vo2 Max score was 76.5 whatever that means. Also said my weakness is not aerobic capacity, its my legs. If I could strengthen my legs I could run fast for much longer. Already knew that.

My conclusion: more speedwork + strength work=faster Nan.

Easy run. Bumped into my neighbor, Traci a few miles in and ran with her. Vented about the stress of mothering children.

It took me 25 minutes to get Abe out of bed this morning! Why? He was upset because he forgot to do his Science homework, so he wanted to miss 1st period to complete his homework. Nope sorry, it doesn't work that way.

Why did he forget to do his science homework? Because he refuses to write his homework assignments in his planner. This is the 4th time this year we've had this exact same conversation. 

Me: "I know how you feel, bud. I forget EVERYTHING that I don't put it in my calendar."

Abe: "But I hate writing in my planner."

Me: "Well, which do you hate more? Writing in your planner or missing assignments?"

After 25 more minutes of him venting to me about all the other horrible, difficult, annoying, awkward aspects of middle school, we finally got out the door for carpool. #growingpains

Long warm up to Highland Drive 15X1 minute at 4:40-6:00 pace depending on hills. 1 minute jog between each.

Trying to get my speed back.

Canal path, Vestry Rd., Corner Canyon, Aqueduct trail, Highland Drive loop. Legs pretty tired.

With Devra and Kristen

I was feeling tired and run down. Kids were off school Thursday and Friday and I was watching my brother's four kids, so I had been pretty busy and hadn't slept well for a couple of nights.  Decided to run it as a workout instead of racing all out. Ran with my SIL, Emily for the first 6 or 7 miles, took a potty stop, then picked it up a tad until mile 10 when I pushed hard for the last 3 miles. Averaged around 7:05 pace for the first 10 miles, and I think closer to 6:05 pace for the last 5K.