Attitude is Everything!

Ran a loop from my house around most of the Riverton half route and back home.  I had only planned on going out for 10 miles but felt good so I stretched it out to 13.  I started slow and actually ended strong.  My splits were as follows: 9:12, 9:06, 9:09, 9:14, 9:10, 9:08, 8:55, 8:46 (Lovers lane hill), 8:47, 8:44, 8:30, 8:17, 8:58 (from the river-bottom straight up 114th- this was by far the biggest hill of the route).  I think this may be the first time I have actually run a negative spilt.  The wind was pretty stiff in my face for the first half of the run.  AP: 8:55.

I haven't signed up the Riverton half and am not sure if I'm going to.  I will be curious what the actual route will be since the river has flooded both the 126th and bangeter areas and the trail is torn up.  

Ran another 3.5 with the hubby this evening.  Thank goodness it was a very slow pace 10+.  My daughter rode her bike, the hubby pushed the jogging stroller and I ran the dog.  Beautiful evening- nice end to a great day.

Mental therapy- that is what running is all about.  Today I was a little discouraged and hadn't really planned to go for a run.  I was just going to run over to the gym (1 mile) and get my hubby.  Well, when I got to the gym he wanted to play 'just one more game' of basketball so I went up to the treadmill and ran.  I started out slow but since I was feeling good I decided to gradually increased my speed.  By the end of the run I actually ran about a 1/4 mile in the 6's.  My splits were: 9:14 (huge head wind), 9:00 (TM), 8:00, 7:25, and 8:00. I then walked for a 1/2 mile to cool down. 

This run felt great and I needed it.  I have got to always remember to run when I am having a tough time.

Intervals: 1 mile @ 9:13,  1 mile @7:03, 1/2 mile @ 9:13, 1/2 mile @ 7:03, 1/4 mile @ 9:13, 1/2 mile @ 7:03, 1/4 mile @ 8:36.  

This was a great run, I only had a limited time and I wanted to get in a good work-out but I didn't want to trash my legs for Saturday.  The slow sections were actually unbearably slow but I was trying to be conservative.  I was amazed at how good the 7:03 pace felt.  I felt I could have maintained it for several more mile. 

I hadn't quite decided whether I was going to run this race or not.  Last night I was a chaperone at Jr. Prom and didn't get to bed until after midnight.    Our group went to The Roof for dinner- it was incredible and the deserts... mmm.  I totally over ate.  At 8:45 I decided to go for it-  I threw on my running clothes, jumped in my truck and sped over to the start.  Just as I was getting out of my truck the race began.  I hustled over to the start and headed off- the last runner out of the gate. 

I felt pretty good most of the race, although about mile 9 my lack of breakfast and my huge dinner caught up with me.  I was totally lacking fuel and was wishing I had a gel or something.  My splits were as follows: 7:57, 7:50, 7:47, 8:01, 8:09, 7:56, 8:01, 8:05, 8:46 ( I think this is were I walked through a water station and guzzled a whole cup of gatorade and 1 of water), 8:17, 8:52 (?), 8:27, and 7:50.  AP: 8:08.   Not bad considering. 

It was great to see so many familiar faces.  Thanks to all you awesome runners who chose to help out rather than run.  And thank you Lisa for promoting such a great event so soon after such a tragic loss- my heart is with you.