Every Run is a Great Run!

Early AM: Ran just over 3 with Kim then the rest (3.1) solo. Kinda weird weather for November today. It was raining very lightly but was quite warm, in the 50's so it was actually quite pleasant to run in. Legs feeling really good but a little groggy in the head, probably from switch from daylight savings and maybe from fasting yesterday.

8:34/146

Late AM: Another 4 mile rain run but this one wasn't quite as pleasant like the earlier one. Rain was a bit less "gentle" with colder temps and more wind than this morning. But still felt good to get out and get er done. And still better than the dreadmill in my book. No I did not run BFOG.

7:59/154

Yesterday in Elders Quorum a recently returned missionary talked about his experiences in Nicaragua. Pretty amazing stuff but so sad to see how tough it is for the people to live in such poor conditions. So today I'm especially grateful for life in the good ol U.S.A.

Working from home so ran my hills workout just before lunch today instead of Wednesday as usual. Kim also had a hill workout on her 5K training schedule so she warmed up with me and did her version of the hills while I did mine.

I was feeling really good today, one of those days when you wish you had a race because you feel in the zone. The hills felt easier than I ever remember and I was able to run them faster with less effort. This is all good and makes me happy. Lately I'm noticing more smoothness and flow in my running than I've felt for a very long time.  Just need to make sure I do all the things to keep that feeling going and not any of the things that could mess everything up.

For comparision I've noted my ave pace and ave/max HR from today vs. the other weeks doing this same hill workout.

week 1: 8:36/155/? (late AM)

week 2: 8:07/165/185 (late AM)157

week 3: 8:02/162/182 (late AM)

week 4: 8:26/157/? (early AM)

today: 7:55/158/178 (late AM)

So nice that my boss let's us work hours that work best for us and encourages us to work at home 1 or 2 days a week. Today I am thankful for my boss!

Early AM: 6 miles along the standard river bottoms loop. Around 30 degrees and breezy so pulled out the longs although I think I would have been fine with the compression shorts/socks combo I've been wearing other days. Nice peaceful run.

8:18/153

Late AM: 4 more miles at work in light snow, felt a little tired I didn't sleep quite as well as I would have liked last night.

8:13/146

Today I'm thankful for Paul Milsap. What an amazing performance last night to pull of the road win against the mighty and invincible Heat. With so many professional athletes acting like idiots the last while it sure it nice to see a humble, hard-working guy like Milsap finally get his due and develop into a true all-star.

Early AM: 6 mile loop solo - similar to yesterday but maybe a bit warmer with less breeze. I was expecting it to be colder based on forecasts so the tad warmer factor was a nice surprise.

8:33/147

Late AM: 4 more miles at work including 2 miles trying out SFOG (Stocking Feet On Grass). The socks were just enough to keep the feet from freezing. So maybe until it snows I'll be able to get away with a few more almost-barefoot runs and keep getting whatever strengthening benefits the BFOG therapy has been giving me. Gotta say my feet have felt wonderful the last few weeks now. Now if I could just get the upper right leg/groin area to quit whining I'd be about pain free. I'm thinking a reduced mileage week next week or Thanksgiving week may be just the ticket. Looks like 8:33 is the magical pace for today.

8:33/146

Today I'm thankful to all the veterans and those currently serving in the military who put their lives on the line so the rest of us don't have to. Happy Veterans Day!

Early AM: Ran 6 with Kim. Below freezing again this morning but the winds were mellow and I found it to be a quite nice, peaceful, and enjoyable run.  The relaxed pace was just what I needed.

9:13/130

Late AM: 30 minutes XT - 10 mins each stairs, bike, elliptical.

Today I'm thankful that it's Friday!

Ran just over 14 in the early morning - cold again but not windy, similar to the last couple of days. Not too bad for a November run. I ran a couple solo as I was rushed for time, then met Kim and went to the stake center at 6 to see who was there. Not too many then as some went out earlier for some crazy reason.

Ran a little bit with the speedy boys - Tyler, Rich and Travis, and a little with Kay and Kelly, and a little more solo, then finished up with the speedy boys. Decided to stay in the easy pace range and not run any MP miles until the groin pains calm down for a few days straight.

My first 60 mile week since early April. I'll take a rest/reduced week next week or Thanksgiving week then hold around 55-60 plus a bit of XT thru the end of the year or more.

Nice to see my ave HR moving consistently lower lately for a given pace.

8:25/148

Today I'm thankful for college football! Go Cougs and Utes!