Runnin' in Mud...

Hwy 205, 9:30 a.m., cloudy/light rain, 38.  Where to start?  Yesterday, we had a funeral and then had ~15 people over for dinner.  Needless to say, I ate large amounts of lasagna, pasta, and meatballs.  We were quite busy all day and it was go, go, go.  I ate tons, stayed up late to watch the U of M Tigers (previous #1).  While doing so, I drank a few beers, all of which left me quite sluggish this morning.  Our son is sick, again.  No church for us, as they really frown upon taking sick kids to the day care.  Yea, they even sent letters to everyone, because it became such a problem.  We erred on being safe.

I wasn't feeling up to the Tinman style "Big Workout" aka the Long Wave Run.  You warm up a few miles and then alternate HM pace or close to it with easy pace inbetween.  Miles 2-4 were easy (7:39) and then my harder miles were 6:45, 6:49, 6:43, 6:49, 6:44 (6:46 avg).  My easy miles avg. 7:50.  Again, no rest following the run, as the family loaded up and went to Target for some shopping.  An afternoon nap might be in the works for me.  11 miles in 1:21:56 (7:27 pace).

Hwy 196, 2:30 p.m., sunny, 61.  First time running this course in quite some time.  Now, I know why I probably got the stress fracture.  Man, is that road sloped.  My left side is on a moderate slope throughout much of the run, unless I run in the middle of the road (not a good idea)!  Everything feels okay.  A few more easy days ahead.  I am 19 days, 12 hours, 53 minutes, and 01 sec. from my goal race.  I'm pretty excited to be racing again and being healthy again!  Don't take your running for granted, as it can be taken from you suddenly.

This was unplanned, but I am taking the day off.  It is my birthday and my wife surprised me with a babysitter while we go to dinner.  I turned 39 today and, oddly, can't wait until next year when I turned 40 and become a masters runner.  My wife thinks that I am off of my rocker for WANTING to or looking forward to turning 40!  It's just a number.

Hwy 205, 3:10 p.m., cloudy, 38.  I was going to the U of M game tonight, so I rushed to get this in.  I intended on going longer,but…  I ran 3 miles easy (7:23 pace) and then the last 3 miles, I picked it up (6:54, 6:47, 6:52).  This was my Tinman Tempo @ ~6:55 pace.  I felt comfortable at the pace, so maybe that will be my MP at St. Jude?  My whole left side (hip, back, and hamstring) just feels tight and "off."  Maybe I'll get a massage.  6 miles in 42:47 (7:08 pace ).

Hwy. 205, 4:00 p.m., cloudy, 57.  I ran with Enrique today and I really wanted to run around 8:00 pace, but we were a bit quick.  The return 3 miles was @ 7:30 pace, but I felt good.  The hip felt really good, but my right knee feels odd.  No pain, but it feels like it might buckle at any moment - wierd.  6 miles in 46:00 (7:40 pace).

AHS, 3:45 p.m., cloudy, 57.  I intended on doing 7-8x1000m, but did only 6.  I also intended on having a strict 1:00 rest interval.  My neighbor joined me for this workout, as he is also running the half-marathon.  The track team was running a bit late today, so there was lots of traffic on the track, which meant weaving, etc.  I'll just say I avg 3:55 per 1k.  Some were faster 3:53 or, but others were 3:56-3:58 due to having to stop, weave, bob, or duck!  The left hip remains tight and the knee was only an issue when I would first begin to run.  More stretching and icing.  There is absolutely no pain in the knee.

Hwy 205, 9:30 a.m., sunny, 45.  Just getting' in the miles this morning.  The legs felt slightly tired, but I ran ~16 hours ago.  11-12 miles tomorrow afternoon.  Lots of cyclists out this a.m.  At times, it looks like the Tour de Tennessee out here on these rural roads.  Seeing them kind of does give me a boost.  This run was a bit quicker than I would have liked.  8 miles in 58:53 (7:22 pace).  My daily (easy) runs have gotten faster over the past few months.  The pace today felt comfortable and I wasn't trying to time the run or hit certain paces.  Believe me, I do try to keep it in the 7:40+ range.