From the outset, all of my workouts this week look pretty boring. For six straight days I ran essentially the same mileage over the same course. Even better, I was able to stay off the roads and on some forgiving surfaces with lots of hills. Better than all of that, I remained strong, healthy and excited to keep on keeping on.
If I continue on this path there is a chance I could jump in a race in early June. Maybe even a five-mile race in Lancaster on a course where I have never broken 28-minutes...
Anyway:
Monday - 13 miles in 1:27:41
Went back in the Brick Yards again and had lots of fun. Actually, I ran one of my loops from back in '98 when I was training for Boston. It worked then, maybe it will work now.
Tuesday - 13 miles in 1:26:31
Went back in the Brick Yards again and ran faster and stronger than yesterday. My calves bother me a little bit, but it didn't hinder my running. Interestingly, there was a guy running along a similar loop as me and wouldn't acknowledge me even after I waved. What is that? It wasn't like the guy was running particularly fast either. I wanted to run him down and smoke his ass, but he changed direction... good move on his part.
Wednesday - 13.2 in 1:28:01
Ran better and faster than yesterday, including "race pace" for the last mile on the field. I definitely have to add a little more speed to my workouts though I definitely felt it in my hamstrings today. On another note, I nearly was run over by a deer while running on a trail through the Brick Yards. I think there were three of them and they bolted in front of me about 20 yards away and off into the brush. Man, do those things move fast -- they're really big, too. Needless to say it scared the shit out of me.
Thursday - 13.3 miles in 1:30:25
Didn't go back in the Brick Yards today because it was wet and muddy after last night's rain, and I didn't want to get run over by another deer. Other than that, I didn't feel great running -- my legs were tight and felt heavy. Basically, I forced myself to run the 13.3 miles because I had it in my head that it was how much I should run. Needless to say tomorrow will be a little easier.
Friday - 10.5 miles in 1:12:49
I knew I was supposed to go easy today, but I really didn't feel like it... I wanted to run. Nevertheless, I went close to 11 (slightly more than what I posted) and felt really strong. Who knows, maybe I'll be ready to race at the end of May or beginning of June. As soon as I drop some weight I'll be ready to go.
Saturday - 13 miles in 1:28:36
Another good, solid run. At the end I felt like I could have kept going. It looks as if some more bad weather is coming through. Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in some runs over the next two days.
Sunday nothing
I wanted to run and easy, easy 5 today, but the wind and the rain from the Nor'easter were just too much to bear. Besides, we had big birthday party No. 3 for Michael. Talk about a wild time... I think I was as excited about the party than him.
Total mileage: 76 miles... starting to get there.