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April 21, 2006
Bugs Here, Bugs There, Bugs Everywhere
O and I figured that the trail that we run on pretty frequently was going to be the perfect training spot this summer. It's surrounded by woods and shaded, by the river and a couple degrees cooler than if we were out on the roads, running around town. Something we didn't quite count on though - BUGS! I totally forgot about running in woodsey-type areas in the summer. I ran on the trail today and although I didn't run into anything that bit me, I was overwhelmed with those little gnat type things that fly into your mouth, up your nose and cover you by the time you're done. Yuck.
Bugs aside, I had a good run. I planned on a tempo run - only 10 minutes hard - but still a daunting task given my current state of running fitness. I started with 22 minutes easy and then started into the 10 minutes up-tempo. I focused on feeling strong and smooth. I planned it such that I could get a one mile split and I made it my goal to run 7 minute pace. I was pleased to see a split of 6:50. Probably the first mile I've run under 7 minutes since last June.
Anyway, I was definitely working hard but I was surprised at how strong I felt throughout the 10 minutes. I couldn't have gone much longer at that same pace, but I usually have a really hard time maintaining an even pace on tempos, even when I am in good running shape. Either way, I cooled down for another 8 minutes for a total of 40 minutes and then headed home. My feet cooperated well today. That says nothing for how they will feel tomorrow, but it makes me really happy to not feel pain when I'm actually running.
And here we are at Friday already! I'll tell you - working only 2 days a week is where it's at! It doesn't matter what happens at work or how tired you are, you can always tell yourself (at most) only one day to go! :) Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Posted by beth at April 21, 2006 6:32 PM