Startin' Up Another Week

I typically try to completely recover after my long run. Last Saturday I was barely shy of 11 miles (Runner's World suggested 10 to 11).

I ran around Shelley Lake - this wooded loop in Raleigh outlining a reservoir. It's great on weekend mornings because it's a whole community you feel included in. You'll see running groups all equipped with their little waist-hugging water bottles, bikers - some competitive snug in their spandex attire and some leisure riders, fishermen and women, families with young children feeding the ducks off the wooden bridge, young and old couples walking their dogs, and then you'll find the people who are just enjoying their early morning walk. No matter who you pass, you're most likely to get a "hey" or a smile and a nod. It's reassuring to know that there are other people who get their kicks out of exercising, training or just embracing some fresh air.

Anyway, my 11ish mile run felt pretty good. Until I hit mile eight and a half, I could have gone forever, but no doubt I hit my brick wall. I hope I can keep pushing that wall back a little farther each time. Somewhere around mile nine and a half I stopped for 30 seconds or so to stretch a little. I don't really like to stop when I get going (not like nine miles is just getting going) but it's really tough for me to start back up again. I waited as long as I could. All in all, it was a good run. I've been in the process of building back up after being sick with a bacterial infection a week and a half ago, when I had to miss an entire week of running.

Yesterday I had planned on doing a light two to three mile run but I ended up going to the mall and the grocery store. By the time I got home I figured I walked a good enough amount and at least got my legs moving a bit. I was still feeling sore from my long run the day before so I thought it was best to hold off. Today, Runner's World advises trainees to do something for up to 60 minutes. I'm not quite sure what they mean here, I assume just anything active other than running. Work was hectic today and I got home late so I settled for a hard 30 minutes on the elliptical.

Tomorrow I'm all geared up for a "Quality" five to six miles. When Runner's World says "Quality" they mean something along the lines of a hill work out, winds sprints or a Kenyan run. A couple weeks ago I did a Kenyan run for the first time. If a storm wasn't brewing and I didn't run into some debris (literally a pinecone to my head) it might have been a good experience. Say you are running six miles, you would run the first three at a fairly comfortable pace and then the last three at a faster pace than you'd usually run. Basically it's a race against yourself; you want to beat your first three-mile time on your way back. When you're supposed to slow down your pace for your long run, this run and your "Tempo" run (on Thursdays for me) aims at boosting your speed.

I think tomorrow I'll do a hill work out. There's a great (yet not-so-fun) hill to run that I haven't tried that yet. I like switching it up so I don't get so bored with repeat workouts. Oh and I got my Garmin Forerunner 205 watch today, too! I'm eager to give it a try!

'Til next time! :-)
Mere