Training in Montana

Nice 3 mile run this morning. A bit chilly on the hands but perfect once I got warmed up. I told myself I'd run this morning if I woke up and sure enough I woke up at 5:50. I guess that's my new schedule. Or something like that. Definitely won't be running at lunchtime anymore.

AP 9:06, splits 9:46, 8:56, 8:34.

6 mile run this morning. Not sure I can handle early morning runs every day. I like them on Saturday but I was really feeling it this morning. Headed up the hill for the first half although the way I went I hit some downhill 3/4 of a mile before the turnaround, so coming back was a bit tough up that hill. I was dragging today even on the downhill. I think I'll take tomorrow off. AP: 8:59

I am so confused. I always take Thursday off, so since I took yesterday off I was planning on taking a couple day break and seeing how I felt Friday. So, I ran today at lunch time, thinking that I'd already taken 2 days off and if I didn't run today it would be 3 straight. Crazy cat. I guess it had been a 30 hour break so not bad, but that explains why my legs still felt a bit leaden today. I overdid it last week and ran too fast for my increased mileage, especially on my long run. I did the half probably 10 minutes slower than I'll run it in the race, and that's way too fast. I'm supposed to do 6 miles tomorrow and 12 on Saturday and we'll see tomorrow how I feel. I've been dragging all week. Bummer! I was hoping I could get up to 40-50 mpw but that's looking like a pipe dream. The few times I've hit above 30 the next week I've dragged so much I've had to take a day off. Hopefully it will improve as I up the miles, but I won't up the miles if it doesn't improve. Vicious cycle? No worries - will all work out.

Today was nice even though it was in the 70s. A bit warm and my shirt stunk to begin with, always a nice combo.

Well, my brain wanted to run today, so I found myself looking at the clock at 5:30 am, then at 6:00, and finally at 6:10 it said WAKE UP! So I did. Hadn't planned on running this morning so went to bed late. Woke up, got dressed, should've listened to the urge to go to the bathroom but didn't, and went for a run. Beautiful morning for a run - overcast skies, it had just sprinkled, and was 59 degrees with a slight breeze. Perfect. I ran slowly. About a 10:00-10:30 pace heading up the hill, and about a 9:30 pace coming down. Just after turning around to head home that urge became more than an urge, and I found myself on the side of the dirt road, thankfully hidden (although no vehicles came by). I'm thankful for lots of long grass as I had no kleenex or tissue or wet wipes. But wet grass strands apparently do a fine job.

My average running pace was 10:20 although I didn't stop my watch for the bathroom break or for a picture taking break so it was closer to 10:00. I feel great. I will now start running slowly more often than not, as that is most likely my key to increasing my mileage - run slower, longer. I'm going to try that. 12 slow miles on the docket for tomorrow.

Ran 9 miles by myself, then 2.7 with my family during our first annual Hall Family 4th of July Fun Run 5K. Only our 12 year old made it the full 5K. The 10 year old had his tonsils out a week ago so he drove the 4 wheeler around for water breaks, the 7 year old was wearing the wrong shoes and they rubbed his ankle bone, and the 5 year old did as well as she could. Mom and Dad ran with the younger kids so we did what they did. It was fun.

On my 9 miler, I ran 4.5 out and back. Ran up the main road from my house, a route I love but haven't done in a while. Was right at a 10:00 pace running up hill and probably 9-9:30 running back down. Forgot to use Glide on my rear and I'm paying the price today. Ouchie momma! That's one sore behind.