18 Miles and Achievement
3.20 MONDAY - 6.28 outside. 46:56 (7:29)
I wasn't really sure what workout I was doing today. I started just running, then thought I'd better at least do some tempo miles. After mile 2, where I encountered the big dog that scared me and got my adrenaline pumping, I decided to take advantage and go tempo. I thought I'd do 3, but the wind and slight uphill were too much for me. Lame, I know! I slowed it down for the last two miles. Since I was in my neighborhood, but not quite home (new route) I decided to run sprints. I sprinted twice, totaling the .28. I don't know that I've ever sprinted at that pace, except on the treadmill. Go me!
3.21 TUESDAY - OTF - I love when I see friends at OTF. Got to work out next to Ashley today. It's been a while! I already work hard, I'm always intense, but she is strong, and it feels good to be next to that! It's great, uplifting, motivating energy.
3.22 WEDNESDAY - 5 outside. 45:17 (9:03)
Two days with Ashley! We met for an easy run. We started into the wind and my face froze! Seriously. I could hardly talk! It was great to have time to visit and catch up. It has been such a long time since we've run together.
3.23 THURSDAY - 18 outside. 2:24:19 (8:01)
My plan for today was to run 16. I had a plan for this run. I've never run negative splits, like ever! I always take off at a comfortable pace and slow as time progresses. I wanted to run three sets of 5 and get progressively faster. I'd run the first 5 around 8, 8:10, then next 5 at 7:50 or so, then the next 5 at 7:45 ish. My last mile would either be a cool down or hold.
As you can see by my splits I mostly did that-ish! I guess the result for holding back in the beginning is that I felt good enough to go an additional 2 miles!
I hit 15.75 at the bottom of a hill that goes into my neighborhood. I ran hill strong, and still was far enough away that I took on the extra 2. My calves were tiiight at the end of this run! I stretched them at mile 17, then finished.
I am super happy about this run! It felt good, I felt strong. I drank at 5, ate a block at 8, drank at 10, block at 13, then finished my Gatorade as I ran mile 17. I took my picture with the horses at mile 13. I love seeing them out when I run!
I was super hungry when I got home and didn't want to stretch! I just wanted to sit! After my shower I stretched a little, but not nearly enough. I was worried I'd be sore because of that choice! Friday I felt surprisingly good! I was a little tight, but not sore.
3.24 FRIDAY - OTF - Ran hills! I wondered how well I'd do the day after my long run. I worked it out, ran my hills at a good pace, not a crazy pace! I took the time to stretch good after this workout.
SATURDAY - 4 miles trml. // It was a rainy morning. I have not felt sore from Thursday's run. I did feel sluggish today though. Initially I thought I'd run 8 today! Nope! I ran 3 and walked 1. I think if Friday was more of a recovery day I'd have gone longer today. It was good to be on my legs, but not working them too hard.
I'll end this post with a quote, to keep us all motivated and inspired!