Running is a means and never merely an end

I started this week out with a 3.5 mile tempo run at 6:45-6:55 per mile (I hit 3:20ish for that last 800) with a mile warm up and a mile and a half cool down. I usually hate tempo runs, to be honest, but this one was better than most. I could really feel myself getting better. Even though getting better means hurting, I love those runs when you can feel that you are making yourself better. I know they all pay off. Plus the weather today was such good running weather, it was nice and cool with minimal wind. I'm very thankful (and confused) that the weather hasn't gotten too bad yet. Hope I didn't jinx it!

I was planning on doing the Prefontaine workout (200's) on the track today but that sort of fell through when, during my warm up, I realized I need at least 1 if not 2 coaches to help time me...so seeing as I am all on my own this winter, I decided to do a little ladder workout. After my 2 mile warm up, I did 200-400-800-1600-800-400-200 all at my 5k PR pace, except the 200's which I did at about 90% (like the start and kick of a race). Then I did some form drills and a mile cool down. I was feeling really strong today! I am finding that I run better when I look straight ahead instead of at the track. Anyways, I can't do my workout after school tomorrow so I am going to have to wake up early and do it before and I still have no idea what to do. Haven't done a hill workout in a while? Maybe I'll dream up a workout tonight.... Oh, days like today are the times it would be very helpful to have a coach...or team...or anyone. Loner status over here.

I really didn't know what to do today, and I also didn't have a lot of time because I need to be back at school by 3rd period. So I just went on a 4 and a half mile semi up-tempo run in my neighborhood loop. It is extremely hilly (well duh, this is the mountains...) so I wasn't all that fast, but I got faster as I went, which is a habit I've been trying to better solidify. But it feels kind of nice to have already gotten my run in and have the afternoon off to watch my little sister's basketball game & hang out with my friends.

Easy 6 mile jog this morning with a half mile warmup and some strides afterwards. It was a gorgeous day and I felt fantastic! 

I enjoyed getting some cross-training mileage in today! I jogged a mile warmup, and then biked 7 miles, stair-climbed half a mile, and jogged another mile for cool down. It was kind of nice to give my joints a bit of a rest. Speaking of cross training, I've been thinking a lot about doing an hour of yoga every week on my off day. I don't know much about yoga but I think that would be good for my overall health and injury prevention. Couldn't hurt!

13 mile jog with a short warm up and cool down! Longest run I have done in a long time. It was raining which started to feel amazing after about mile 6. I felt solid, except for my feet hurting towards the end from all of the pounding (most of the run was on pavement). I think I'm going to sleep very well tonight.