Miles of Trials, Trials of Miles

10 miles in 61:58 on the TM the gym.  1 mile warmup, 9 mile MP progression from 6:22 to 5:52 to start mile 9.  1 click up every 1/4 to finish at 5:42 pace.  Good run, now for a day off (except for a quick trip to work early this morning).  Glad this long work week is over.

I woke up this morning very tired and with a sour stomach and almost went back to bed.   I thought about going outside (35 degrees, no wind, mostly clear pathways) but with the way my gut was feeling, I forced myself to the gym so I could control my distance and break capability if needed.  (Kinvara)

1 mile easy warmup, then 2 miles at slow MP (6:18).  A quick pitstop then back on the TM to try and make the 10K distance.  Got to 10K and decided to keep going, progressing the pace up to 5:52 by mile 8.  I was able to push a little longer and did the last 1/4 mile at 5:30 pace to finish 9 miles in 56:40.  I was glad to have made it this far.  Not too worried about my mileage as I am starting to taper for Surf City, just hope to get outside for a few more runs if my work schedule (and early morning motivation) will allow it.

3.1 miles in 21 minutes on the TM at home watchhing "Run for your life", the story of Fred Lebow and the NYC marathon while the kids were at the pool swimming with friends. (Launch)

4:30am...another TM run (though I have really not been bothered by it this winter).  1 mile warmup, MP progession from 6:22 to 5:52 over the next 8.75 miles, 0.25 miles at VO2Max (5:00-4:17).   10 miles in 62:26...I was tired this morning and was only thinking 8 miles but I was able to push through for 10 miles for my only run of the day. 

4:30am...very slick outside due to the snow and warmish temps, so off to the gym.  10 miles in 1:00:40.  1 mile warmup, 7 miles MP progression, 0.5M VO2Max (4:20 pace), 1 mile fast MP, 1 mile threshold (5:40 pace).  A good run, the only one for the day.

Here is a good quote from a great book that I just finished reading ("To Be A Runner" by Martin Dugard, a good motivational read to help put running into perspective in one's life).

"That's what running does to lives.  It's not just exercise.  It's not just achievement.  It's a daily discipline that has nothing to do with speed, weight, social status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, where you live, what car you drive, or whether anyone anywhere loves you.  It's about the slow painful process of being the best you can be.  That's why the first step out the door is always so hard.  That's when we choose between settling for average and being a superhero version of ourselves.

Some days, average wins.

But man, when you go superhero...."

No early morning run today as I had to leave for work by 5:30.  I will try to get a run in after work today...a busy day.   I didn't get home until 6:45pm, then had to get Justin to swim practice.  Then I spent 45 minutes shoveling snow...needless to say I had no time for a run today.

I slept in and got some extra rest before our congregational meeting at church today (which went amazing smooth and well!). 

Went to the gym with the family and swam with my kid's while Kami worked out.  Afterwards I ran 4 miles home with some exitement...nearly got hit by 2 cars, one an accident (inattentive driver as usual), one on purpose.  The driver turned left across the road (with no o coming traffic) as I was in the middle of the cross walk and got close enough that I had to swerve and fell down to avoid getting hit!   I got the license plate and make of car and as soon I as got home I called the police...this type of behavior has to be addressed for all runners safety.