Running is a means and never merely an end

Sunday long run! I couldn't find anyone to run with me today, so I put down a solo 10 miler. Felt good mentally, I was enjoying myself - I didn't even think to check my watch until I was already 53 minutes in! Physically, I felt fine except I had to stop like twice for a few seconds because of a bad side stitch (didn't drink any water all day). It is finally nice and warm out, it feels so good to be running in the heat again. Ice bathed in the river for 20 minutes afterwards. 

Went to the rec and did a 3.5ish mile tempo run sandwiched between a 2.1 mile warm up and a 2 mile cool down. For once in my life (literally) I enjoyed this tempo run! My splits were awesome, way faster than my usual 6:55-7 tempo pace. I hit 6:50 in the first mile, and then my 2nd and 3rd miles together were 13:10 or so, (6:35/mile) so I even negative split today! Hit the 5k just under 21, which made me really happy because I didn't even do that going all out in a few of my first races during XC season. Granted the rec terrain is very flat. But anyways, I finished it out at 23:10. I felt really strong the whole time and I had a good mentality about it today. I am hanging out with Tori and Taylor for the day but if I can find some time I hope I can get a little more mileage in later today!

AM- full body general strength circuit. Especially lots of abs.

PM- late night run around campus. 6.1 miler with 5x100-150m strides thrown in the middle just to keep me from getting too comfortable. Did a quick speed sesh afterwards. It was already pitch black out so I didn't want to be out there much longer. I did 2 sets of 4x200m sprints with 45 seconds between each rep and 3 minutes between sets. I was hoping for 38's and I hit 37's for every single one except the first (36) and last (35). Short cool down afterwards. I feel good about today!!

Easy pre-meet with Harrison and Caleb. I am feeling so good about tomorrow! Been training so hard this past week and I'm ready to do my thing!

Today I ran the mile and 2 mile. I was seeded 4th in the mile and 2nd in the 2 mile and I stayed true to both of those rankings, so that was fine, but I was particularly happy about my times. I set a PR in the mile with a 5:38 (& change) and a SB in the 2 mile with a 12:17 (& change). It was also pretty hot out, so considering my PR's were both previously set in indoor with perfect conditions, I was pretty excited about that. I feel like I needed a PR really badly from a mental standpoint, because I hadn't PR'd this whole outdoor season yet. And I've never broken 5:40 in the mile, so that was definitely a big milestone for me. After the mile I cooled down with Brooke Turner and waited for my 2 mile. My mindset was solid in both races, I wasn't really dreading them or wanting them to be over. I enjoyed them. It's always fun to see hard work pay off!

1.4 mile cool down afterwards.

6.5 miles on the treadmill (dreadmill), working on getting faster as I go. First 2 miles at 8:00 pace, next 2 at 7:50, 5th at 7:30 and last one around 7:25. Easy .5 mile cooldown. Lifted weights afterwards.