Long Run

Distance: 18 miles
Time: 3:27:50
Pace: 11:33 min/mi

Comments: I was really dreading this one. And for good reason. I really dialed back over the last two weeks and while I've felt very strong on each of the recent runs, that's not the same as a full-on long run.

With the brutal cold set to arrive this afternoon, I was forced to run this in slightly warmer conditions than I would like. It started fine but, by the end, temps were in the mid-70s and the sun was out in force.

So that stacked the deck against me right when fatigue jumped on my ass. I was feeling it at 12 miles but the last four got worse every next step. The real long runs are just as important for testing your mental toughness and this one sure as hell did that.

Training Run

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 36:16
Pace: 8:04 min/mi

Comments: With the prospect of it getting stupid cold this weekend, I tweaked my running schedule to get my runs in before that happens. So I took another two days off and put in the usual four miler today. Tomorrow will be the long run.

And today's run was excellent. Started purposefully a little slow but warmed up well and slid right into a groove. I kept pretty focused on the effort as well instead of relying on letting my mind wander to get through it. I even picked up the pace to avoid traffic at one stretch with little issue.

Training Run

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 55:39
Pace: 9:16 min/mi

Comments: It was dark and foggy and chilly this morning. So perfect running weather. I was thinking I should have worn gloves at first but, by the five minute mark I was fine. This one was a strong effort from start to finish. I probably could have pushed it a bit but having done a run just 12 hours prior, I didn't think that would be the smartest plan. My legs were a bit creaky at the very end as it was.

Training Run

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 35:03
Pace:  8:45 min/mi

Comments: After a week off I was determined to not let this week slide as well. I put in 100 miles in November so, perhaps, a respite was a good idea but the trick is to get back in the routine as soon as possible.

As I expected, my legs were pretty strong after the layoff. I cranked this out at a very solid time and felt pretty good the whole way. I need to be careful and not overdo it since I really want to get my long miles in on Sunday.

Still, felt good to be back out there.