All about that pace.

I had to talk myself into running again this morning.  My back is still hurting from something I did while hauling out all the Christmas trash.  The pain gets better after a mile or so but it's tough to get started. Mile 4 was much faster now that the ice has melted, but my overall pace wasn't much better than yesterday.  I'm thinking about running again tomorrow morning (day 6) and then taking Tuesday and Wednesday off before the New Year's Day 5k.
The Killer
Pace: 8:28

I woke up without the alarm in time to run this morning. I'm feeling pretty good about sleeping in tomorrow.
Pace: 8:39

Exciting run today! I woke up again without the alarm and I set out to run very slow and take it easy since I have a race on Thursday. The first mile was really cold so I had to speed up a little bit to keep warm. On mile two I got so close to a deer that I could have touched it. I wish I could sneak up on them like that during hunting season. It was a little colder down by the water and there were some patches of black ice to keep me on my toes in miles three through five. On mile six I saw a roll-over accident on the s curves coming up Steilacoom Blvd. Thankfully nobody was hurt and I helped the three soldiers put their PTCruiser back on it's feet just before the police arrived.
I'm sleeping in for real tomorrow :) 
Pace: 8:44

Happy New Year!
A new 5k PR for me this morning, and after only 3 hours sleep! Last night it took us over an hour just to get out of the parking garage at Seattle Center after the New Year's celebration and then there was a major accident on the freeway coming home that blocked all lanes for over an hour. Aside from all that it was a fun night with lots of entertainment and my youngest daughter's boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed to her at midnight. He's a great guy and we're all very happy for them. Congratulations Karina and Danny!
Back to the Race: 
This is the first (Resolution Run 5k) in a series of 4 races increasing from 5 - 20 ks or miles, between Jan 1 and Mar 21 with individual and overall awards. It's put on by the Fort Steilacoom Run Club and held at the local high school where we have use of the locker rooms and showers. They also provide a hot meal at the end of each race.
It was raining hard this morning until just before the start. Around 8:45 the wind died down and the rain slowed to a sprinkle. The first mile was crowded as usual, but I held a nice steady 6:55 pace. My next split was at 2.1 miles with a 7:23 and the last even mile was a pretty strong 6:27. I finished with a good sprint across the finish line and was totally spent at the end of the race. I may have done a little better with more sleep, but I'm really happy with my new PR. I hope I can do the same in the 10k on the 24th.
My brother-in-law Stephen ran with me this morning equally tired and with an injured ankle; he finished fourth in his division with a 23:58. 
I didn't place in today's race, but they also gave out awards for last year's overall series and I took 2nd in my division.
Pace: 6:42

I slept in until noon today, then headed right out for a run. It was very sunny and cold, perfect weather for running! There was also a great view of the Olympics across the water. No aches or pains after yesterday's race.
Pace: 7:47

The mountains were hidden in the clouds and it was very, very cold this morning! My knees were stiff and I couldn't run fast enough to keep warm. My left calf and right hamstring were twitching a little on the last half. Yep, I'm whining alright! I think I'll dress warmer tomorrow and maybe slow the pace a little.
Pace: 7:45