Attitude is Everything!

Today I ran a 20 miler by myself and it felt like the longest 3+ hours of my life.  If you count the 10 minutes I stopped for re-fueling and the 2 miles I walked at the end my average pace was 9:23. If you subtract the 10 minutes (3 different stops) and count only the first 18 miles my AP was 8:06.  

This was a very strange run.  I didn't start the run until 11:15 which I think was a mistake because I took off with out lunch- but that's when my little guy went down for a nap and I could escape.   I ran most of the Riverton half route and it felt good.  But after about 2 hours of running I got really bored of being by myself-  it was raining, I was running into a head wind and I was running out of fuel.  I ran down 1300 to the maverick on 10600 where I stopped for a donut and some gatorade.  Yes, a donut-  thats what sounded best at the time.  I then continued for another 30 minutes or so, at this time I was spent and decided to walk the rest of the way home.  

I need a good watch.  I have a Polar RS400 with a footpod that I haven't used for a while because I can't seem to get it calibrated properly.  I decided to wear it today and see if I could get it to work.  It seemed to be fairly accurate for the first 6 miles, but when I stopped for my first gu it quit working.  I don't know if it was the rain or what.  From that point I tried to hit the lap button at major points in the run and figured I could determine my paces using mapmyrun.  After working on it for a little while I gave up and just calculated the info above. 

I have decided I really hate running by myself and that I am in serious need of a pacer (or at least a good watch).   I think I ran too fast when I was running and therefore was unable to sustain it for the full 20 miles.  I sure hope I can get it worked out for Ogden. 

Overall, I am proud of myself for getting out and running by myself.  Now that the run is over I feel pretty good.  My knee felt and feels fine.  I WILL BE READY FOR OGDEN (I hope). 

I really missed the BBK group today. 

Ran/jogged/walked to park chasing my little girl on her bike.  She is still just learning; this would be her third time out.  I hope she gets it soon because helping her is hard on my back.  She is actually doing really well.   Felt good to get the legs moving as they are still rather tired from yesterdays run. 

Ran 4 miles when I got home from work.  Aside from a bit of wind the weather was perfect.  It was so nice to get out in the sunshine.  My legs felt a bit sluggish from Sundays run and my knee still isn't 100% but it seems to be doing a lot better.  Overall this was an enjoyable run.  AP 7:54.

Ran with the BBK group this morning down at Daybreak.  I got there just as they were taking off and had to sprint the first 1/4 to 1/2 mile to catch up.  I was actually amazed- my legs felt pretty good.  I ran the rest of the warm up with Nancy & Duke at a nice easy pace.  I then ran a 2 mile tempo loop with Peggy & Lynette(?)- that was a bit fast, but still felt good. I  finished with an easy jog back to the cars.  Overall, an excellent workout.  I only wish I didn't have to leave early every time.  

To the 'riverpark' with the family.

Ran 12 miles with some of the BBK group today.  It was awesome.  I can't believe how much better it felt than my long run last week.  When we finished I still felt strong.  

I have yet to buy a good watch but since I ran with Julie I figure my splits were about the same as hers (except the last 2 since I quit at 12 and she continued for 14).  The splits I ran with her were: 9:03, 8:51, 8:47, 8:24, 8:24, 7:48, 7:17, 7:51, 8:32, 8:14, 8:08, 8:16.  Average pace 8:19.

Great run, great weather (I like the rain- sick I know), great company.