Every Run is a Great Run!

AM: Did a 2 mile warmup, 1 mile with Kim before we separated so I could do hill repeats and she could meet up with a new running buddy.

My legs were feeling surprisingly good after the busy weekend but I figured with the lack of sleep factor and general Monday blahs that I might not be in top form for doing hills. This was indeed the case as I think I wimped out a bit on most the repeats. However I was still happy I was able to complete the entire set of 8 x 2-minute repeats with 3-min active recovery. I figure it's better to slow down a bit and finish the entire workout than try to force the pace but quit half way through. Ave pace (of entire workout, hills ave was faster or course) 8:55.

I'm slow blogging the run today as I got one of my ugly migraine headaches about an hour after the run that is just now finally wearing off. When I get these I can't hardly see straight and doing any computer work is almost impossible. So my first hour of work has been a wash, mostly sitting in the dark with eyes closed, massaging the temples and trying to quicken the recovery. I'm so glad I'm now finally feeling better.

Noon: Ran with Paul, Nate and Bill out toward EagleView but going straight rather than up the ugly hill. Wasn't sure how it would go after the migraine this morning but things turned out OK.  Fortunately this was a recovery run for everyone so the pace stayed in the easy 8-9 range.  I didn't want to push my luck with miles today so I left the group and turned around after 2.5 miles to make 5 total (they were doing 6 miles). Ave pace 8:31.

AM: Recovery day for me. I ran with Kim down to the river bottoms and then joined her for her hill repeats - 6 x 2-minutes with about 3 minute recovery. It was impressive to see Kim charge up the hill for the full 2 minutes, over and over again. I believe her first rep was the slowest and last one was the fastest so she sped up most every time up. I was remembering how just a few months ago when we would go up even a pretty tiny hill she would often walk most or all the way. Now she rules the hills. Veyo beware. I guess maybe it's time to pay a visit to Harrys hill, perhaps on Saturday. Ave overall pace for the 7 miles today around 10 min/mi.

No more running for me today. I may do some core workout stuff later at the gym.

AM: Drizzly morning solo run.  Warmed up for just over 2 miles then did 8 x 2-minute intervals with 3-minute active recovery then 1.5 mile cooldown. Wanted to keep the pace in the 5:30-5:45 range and was mostly successful but it was harder than I wanted it to be. This is the first time doing this type workout in the morning and I think it's just harder to get the legs moving fast in the early AM. Looks like I covered .35-.37 miles per interval. Splits were 5:43, 5:38, 5:37, 5:39, 5:39, 5:43, 5:47, 5:40. Overall ave pace around 7:40.

Noon: Ran 5 more miles in the rain with Paul. I was sure glad he showed up at the last minute, I was thinking the rain had scared everyone away. Ended up being a real nice run I thought, the rain was a non-factor and philosopher Paul was at his best providing wit and wisdom. Ave pace 8:24.

AM: Another dandy rain run with Kim. That's 3 runs in a row in the rain, I hope we can see some sun the next couple days. Ran just over 6 with Kim including a half dozen or so 2-minute speed-ups just for fun in the 7:10-7:40 range. Tacked on a little more at the end to finish off with 7 miles. Ave pace 9:28.

No more running today, I'll save it for tomorrow as I'm planning on getting in 20. I'll probably do some core work at the gym later.

AM: Did 1 mile warmup nice and easy then 14 miles a bit quicker. Nice to not be running in the rain for a change. Ave pace 7:45.

Noon: Ran Lakeview 5.15 mile out and back route at work. Wasn't sure how I would feel after the long run this morning. Actually felt pretty good. Ignored the garmin. Saw some cool birds. Ave pace 8:28.

Went 14 miles with Kim, Kay, Ludlow and Alan N. Another very wet morning as the rain started up just after we started and never let up the entire run. We were all soaked to the gills with frozen hands by the end! Actually I'm still having trouble now getting my hands/finger to function adequately to type this report!

Kim got her first taste of Harry's hill and ran it quite admirably, didn't look like she was even breaking a sweat. I guess I need to take her up Loafer mountain next time. I wasn't sure what my legs would feel like after the 20 miler yesterday at mostly sub-8 pace, but I was pleasantly surprised that I felt great the whole run and found our mostly 9-10 min pace to feel quite therapeutic.

Ave pace: 9:44