Getting back to Boston

If that which does not kill us makes us stronger, than I ought to be stronger after tonight's 7.8, cause it darn near killed me. Rained while I was mowing the yard this afternoon, which was great while it lasted, but then it was not much cooler and a lot more humid. The run was a pure slog, especially the first 4.5 miles. Once it got dark, it cooled off just a touch, enough that I could maintain a decent pace for most of it. Felt very weak, though.

Up at dawn today, when it was only 76, for an easy 5 with hill sprints. Felt better/cooler this morning, although I definitely worked up a sweat. Also was out earrly enough that the sun beating down on me was not a factor; barely got any sunlight at all and the sun crept above the horizon. Averaged about 9:30 for the running, which was a lot better than I've been doing. I guess I'll be running early for a while, at least when I'm not on the overnight shift at Sparks (whenever that starts). It's supposed to be at or above 100 for most of this week, after 99 yesterday.

Busy day for being unemployed. Spent the morning trying to find out about Tyler's change from the dorm to apartments because there are too many incoming freshmen. I think that will be OK. Cheaper than the dorm, lots more space, not too far from campus, and he'll probably get to room with his friend Alex.

In the afternoon, T and I drove down to look at the apartments and talk to a leasing agent. Couldn't take a tour, though. Then we went to the stadium for the first day of football practice for the newcomers. That was kinda fun, and T and I got interviewed by KNWA news, which aired on the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. news shows. Left practice a little after 4 and went home, then drove back to Fleet Feet to run with the gang. I was due for a fartlek run on the schedule, and decided to do that within the framework of the fun run. Did 8 X 40 second surges within a 6-mile run. The surges went fine, the rest of the run was rough. Somebody said I looked really bad when I got back to the store. I can believe it. Then got dinner , went home, ate, took a lukewarm soak, and went to bed. Which is why I'm a little late with this blog update.

Hopefully I find out today that I get to start work Monday (fingers crossed). I don't mind not working, but I do mind not having any money. Eleven weeks on my glutes is quite enough, thank you.

Planned to do a recovery run at dawn but woke up with a splitting headache, which finally subsided around 8:30. Then went for a slow run in the park. It was in the 70s with a bit of breeze, but that still didn't stop me from pouring out the sweat. Took about 2 miles for the glutes to loosen up from last night's fartlek. Pretty sure I did negative-split as a result, but haven't looked yet... Yep, I did. Every mile faster than the one before. Stopped once for water and voiding, otherwise chugged right along. Somebody had a charcoal grill fired up before 9 a.m. Guess they're doing a big noontime cookout.

Hope to do a small run tomorrow, then 6 or 7 Sunday. Next week is a scheduled cutback anyway, which will work well if I start work. If I don't, then I may push back the cutback. The work schedule may also determine which marathon I enter. If I start Monday, then I wuld be scheduled to work the weekend of CIM, but not Tucson/Rocket City the next weekend. If I wait another week, CIM would work.

Yuck. Really, really bad run. Felt weak, nauseated, maybe a little reflux. It was in the 70s, but felt a lot warmer due to the bright sunshine. I had planned to do 5, but shut it down early. No sense taking any extra risks, given that I don't have health insurance for another three weeks... Finished the week with 5 runs for 29 miles. I just think I'll be doing a lot better once this heat wave subsides.

Thinking about my training once I ramp it up. Hudson stresses HMP and MP running. Which is fine. I think what I'm going to do is base MP on my VDOT number, instead of on the 3:30 goal. My VDOT says I can go sub-3:25, which means about 7:48 pace. I will try to use that pace when the schedule calls for MP.