Weather - 62 degrees, sunny/cloudy, little wind. Beautiful day, my goal was to give my body a rest. If I went for a run I would have to keep the effort to a minimum, which is difficult for me to achieve. I considered taking a zero, thus assuring a decent recovery, but I need to learn to press my will not only in pushing myself faster and farther, but in keeping myself in check. So the goal was 3 miles, with a mild heart rate. I ran to Busey Woods, and at 3 miles I felt good and told myself just 1 more mile, but slow. I was proud of todays effort because although I felt like running hard, I know that I can't do it every day, not unless I want my body breaking down. Afterwards 4 sets of strength exercises, and 40 minute walk home. On my walk home from work I stopped at the library and found a new running book - " Barefoot Runner, The Life of Marathon Champion Abebe Bikila", by Paul Rambali, published 2006. I'm not sure how good it is, but I have yet to read a running book which didn't teach or inspire me in some way. Last year I must have read 10 books on running, from Roger Bannister's quest for the 4 minute mile, to Tim Noakes monster tome "Lore of Running". I enjoy reading about training ideas, but I am more interested in inspiring anecdotes which reveal the runner's desire to excel and reach their potential.
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