Met the BBK's in the soaking rain this morning - great 3 mi warm up, THEN the fun began! We did 2 5K tempo runs with a recovery between. The first one, I headed out challenging Walter to a 4 mm - hahaha, that lasted for about 20 feet, and I think I only hit a 6 mm in my 'sprint'!!! Either way it put me a few feet in front of the group. I was determined to stay in front of Julie, Michelle and Cheris behind me, then about a .25 later it was 'just don't let them out of your sight'. I finally re-caught them just as Dean and Michelle P caught up as well. They again took off, but I stayed 50 feet or so behind them. I had to talk myself into pushing more nearly every .10 for the last 1/2 or more. I almost caught Cheris as she broke off maybe 20 feet behind the group. I was pleased with my effort, but was in awe that those speedy people can talk and chat at that pace while I'm stalking them with my heaving breathing behind them :) The second 5K I felt exhausted, but as I started I was able to pick it up. I again kept up with Michelle and group for the first mile and DIDNT let them gain on me on the hill (this again was a mental game I had to talk myself into doing!!). Then they slowed just a little and gave me the motivation to try and catch Michelle P and Nancy about 75 yds or so ahead. By the time we rounded the last turn to the park I was only 20 feet behind them, and then they noticed me and turned around to chat with me in - wondering if I was that close the whole time "no, you would've heard me breathing!" It was a great run and I felt good about it, because I kept pushing myself and I wouldn't let myself give up. I'm gonna need that mental toughness in about 5 weeks!!! (Ogden, my 1st full). Then I finished up the last 1.5 with Nancy so she could round out her miles - funny how we have to do that, crazy runners!
Went home SOAKING wet - I almost felt like I was running in saran wrap, because my clothes/rain jacket wouldn't breathe!! I think my husband was cussing my name all the way to work, because he had to sit in my puddle from me driving his car home :) My AP for the run was 8:17 - splits, 1-3(warm-up): 9:14, 8:28, 8:30 4-6 (first 5K): 8:01,7:23, 7:22 7-9 (2nd 5K): 8:27, 8:10, 7:40 10-12 (cool down): 8:32, 8:54, 9:00
Afterward I went to yoga and had a great stretch and am feeling great now!! Running is an amazing sport and I'm so happy for all the wonderful running/workout friends I've made. Thanks to you all for helping me and pushing me to always do my best, you all are to blame for my success :) | 
