Oh, the stinkin' miles... I just noticed this run put me almost over the top to 29 miles this week...yeah, uh huh...I really AM training for a marathon, why do you ask? Despite the lack of mileage lately I am feeling better. I was a little worried about what the extended miles today would do to the hip flexor, but I am pleasantly surprised! Things had been feeling better and honestly they are even better after the run than before. It is still there and I have to gimp along a little to start, but once I warm up things go nicely! I met Smooth, Toby and Karen at the PRT this morning at 6:30 and took just a couple minutes to get the leg moving with some dynamic stretching and a short walk - then we were off. Old rusty hinges getting back to work. I didn't even notice pace (or care, really) I just chatted along the way and had a GREAT time with the ladies! At the turn around I saw the real Smooth come out. You set that lady on a trail and she is OFF! I was having a hard time keeping up as she effortlessly darted around the bushes and plants on the trail - I think I now know her niche. On the way back down we were discussing SGM and on the rollers I just kept thinking of how deceptive that race is and how I felt the same on that trail! We thought we'd stop at a drinking fountain and grab a quick drink, but it was off - poo! So, we ran on and came to a box with a jug of water and gatorade and cups. We figured we would help ourselves and thank those that had kindly left us some fuel (there seemed to be plenty!). It really helped get us all back to the park with some energy. Well, especially after Smooth heard the beep for the last mile and said "let's go ladies - finish strong!" Toby took off like a shot and left us in the dust just chatting, but I decided I would go for the race and push to catch her. I could hardly close the gap, and as soon as I was making progress doing so she noticed I was chasing her and gave me a good run for my money! I was going to push out the last .1 at the park (Toby stopped just before the street), but the cars didn't stop so I had to and then I couldn't pick the pace back up to finish out, so I just jogged the last bit until I hit 12. The pace again was slow, but I really can't complain when I can at least get out and run and have excellent company to boot. I honestly was having a hard time keeping up at some points as well, so it was perfect for my old rusty body today. Know the effort this pace took, I really don't see UVM being the race I want it to be next week. This isn't really a bad thing in my mind. I don't mind changing plans and not PRing, it really honestly doesn't bother me at all to just run and have a good time. With all I've been through in the past couple months I'm just glad I can show up and finish. I still have SGM to race and if I don't get to do it there, oh well. Running is about more than setting PR's for me. If you can't have fun and feel good when/after you run, why do it? AP: 9:29 splits: 9:51, 10:00, 9:44, 9:49, 9:44, 9:48, 9:22, 9:27, 9:18, 9:26, 9:18, 7:56 (Thanks Toby!)
| 
