Each Day Is a Gift

I had not run a single mile since SGM08 10 days ago.  I had so much fun walking with my friends and went on a Fall hike to Horse Tail Falls in Alpine last Thursday.  Yesterday I went to the hospital for a colonoscopy, Dexa scan and mammogram...the works. 

Today I am so ready for a run.  I had no plan, just out for an easy 5 miler.  I wore the CW-X insulator since the temp was in the low 30's.  First mile was a warm up at 9:40, average pace at 8:54, with the fastest mile at 8:37. 

I am in a "re-group" phase having come off of a heavily scheduled race year.  I have run 6 marathons in the last 6 months starting with Boston and ended with SGM.  I have run a total of 12 marathons since Oct 2005.  My next goal is to BQ again at Boston 09.  I'm looking for a new and improved training program.  Meanwhile, just enjoying the free-spirited runs on these Fall days.

Late getting out the door.  Did an easy 4 miler before heading to the women lecture series.  Sunny, T- 38, breezy easterly wind, wore CW-X tight, l/s, magic gloves.

Warm up mile - 10:27, picked up pace to 9:14, 8:57, finished at 9:05 for a cool down.  AP @ 9:26, HR 170.

Yoga tonight if not too late after son's football game, Lehi vs Spanish Fork.

It's my b'day today.  Can't believe I didn't go for a run.  But what a day of celebration w/ friends and hubby.  Wouldn't change a thing.  There's always tomorrow. 

My girlfriend called, wanted me to run her long run w/ her this morning.  I was so proud of her in completing her first marathon at St. George.  She's still on cloud nine.  What a glorious morning, couldn't ask for more, running effortlessly and talking the whole way.  We could've gone for more but the kids are home from Fall break...mom, don't leave us!!!

Easy 6 miler in 1:02 with hills average pace 10:20.  HR150 

Today was a very busy, heavily scheduled day.  Normally I would get my run in first thing in the morning.  It didn't happen.  I rarely miss a Saturday run.  So I went out (against my hubby's wish) for a late evening run, something I've never done before. 

I was hoping there would be moonlight to illuminate the road.  No such luck.  The first warm up mile was partially lit with neighborhood porch lights.  I wore a flashing necklace.  When there's no street lamp light, I'd turn it on when I see or hear oncoming traffic.  Wonder what the motorists thought when they saw a crazy woman running with flashing lights.

The second mile was run on a brand new road which lead to the yet-to-be-opened Super Smith Market place.  It was pitch dark, and I've never run there before.  I felt relatively safe since the road is new, there should be no pot holes and I ran in the middle of the road following the double yellow lines.  The rest of the run was uneventful in the area I'm very familiar with except I didn't know that it would be that dark at night by the canal.  

I find it interesting when you're running in still darkness, your other senses seem to be more alert.  I could smell a variety of dinners, in particular the charcoal grilled ones.  O yeah, it's weekend backyard BBQ.  I also smelled laundry soap from dryer's vent.  Then there's the smell of cut hay and manua.  I've never heard so many barking dogs before.  I ran these same neighborhood during day light umpteen times and never knew that there were dogs living in those homes.  Dogs must be on alert more at night in guarding their families.  

6 miles in 55:30, AP @ 9:18, HR 160.  Splits:  10:10, 9:29, 8:54, 9:10, 8:44, 9:04 

Right calf and left knee were a little tight four miles into the run.  They are fine post-run with stretch and cool down.