I Probably Should Make My Blog Public again

I did a warmup mile (8:30) and then did 3 min. fast, 3 min. slow.  I did this 8 times throughout the run, ending my last fast time about 1/2 mile from home, so I just did a 1/2 mile cooldown. 

My average pace for this run was 8:21.  I'm guessing my fast miles--it was probably some distance between 3.1 and 3.2, but I'll give myself credit for 7:30 fast pace.

Every time I do an actual workout instead of just running (which isn't nearly often enough, I don't think) I think that I should invest in a garmin.  Maybe when school ends (only 3 more weeks--how insanely awesome is that?).

I just did an easy run.  I took the day off work today because I am getting together with my old college roommates.  I'm very excited.  We haven't all gotten together other than for weddings pretty much since we all went our separate ways.

My game plan for today's run didn't happen the way I envisioned it.  I wanted to do a trial 5K.

But I was stressed at work, had a headache when I came home, husband got home late.  So I went to the gym because I had to run after dinner when it was getting dark.

I thought it would be maybe better on a treadmill, but it wasn't for some reason.  I warmed up, did one mile at 7:30 and then couldn't force myself to continue at that pace.  I slowed down some on the next mile (to 8:34 for a couple minutes and then sped up to 8).  I hung on to that pace for 2 miles and then cooled down. 

I think my goal of somewhere in the 22's for the 5K needs to be revised.  I will be happy if I am somewhere from 23-23:30.  Over the summer I'll shoot for the 22's.

I was actually able to run tonight without worrying about getting finished fast since my husband took the kids to clean his sister's yard and out to the farm.  He wanted me to pick them up when I was done running, but I need to get some stuff done without them (packing and bills and whatnot) plus I wanted to run a little bit longer than normal.  Hooray for little victories.

So here I am blogging instead of paying bills....

I started a normal 8 mile route and then changed my plan slightly because to get in 8 miles I get near my house at mile 7 and then run out again and I didn't want to take the chance that I'd get lazy.  So I ran out 4 miles and then ran back the same route so mile 4 was a nice steady uphill (with the wind) and mile 5 was back downhill (against the wind, which seemed stronger than the 14 mph than it was.  But man does it make a difference when the wind is accompanied by sunshine and 70 degrees). 

My pace was all over the map, but none of my miles was slower than 9 min or faster than 8:20 (and that was the uphill but with the wind mile).  I averaged 8:48.

I woke up at 5 to get in 3.2 before work.  I thought about doing 4 and it's a good thing I didn't.  I was already running late because I had to pack the car.

I started off too fast but soon settled into a nice and easy slow pace.  Didn't wear my watch.

I woke up this morning at 7 and panicked because my race was at 9 in the city.  While I was rushing around, throwing on clothes and popping a muffin in the toaster to take on the road, I discovered it was only 6 and I had plenty of time.

My friend organized the race for colon cancer research (she lost her fiancee to colon cancer 6 years ago.  He was only 24).  It was in beautiful Lincoln Park, right along the lake front.  My drive was nice, but parking was stressful.  I definitely don't miss city driving.

I ran from my car to the site--just a little over a mile. Then I waited for another friend I had recruited to run.  She ended up being late, so I warmed up another 1.5 miles by myself.   It started to pour about 15 minutes before the race.  My friend actually ended up running in the pouring rain from the el (they got off at the wrong stop) and made it just 3 minutes before the start.  The rain miraculously stopped right before the gun.  We were pretty far back when they started, but it was okay.

My first two miles I was on 7:25 pace.  I always struggle the last mile, but I just kept telling myself, "I have a cramp; I'm fighting through it" and "This wind really sucks, but I'm so close to the end."  I know I slowed down (my last 1.1 averaged 7:48 pace), but I'll work on it.

I did a lot of passing, and I was passed by only 1 woman and 1 man.  That ain't bad.

My friend and I cooled down back to the car.  Reeeeeeaaaally slooooooooow.  She is not fast.

My time was 23:26.  I'm happy.  There were 236 runners (although some of the times listed as runners had to have walked it).  And I was the 7th female!  That makes me feel good.

Then my son bruised my nose (accident) and my mom forced me to go on a zoo death march.  I'm exhausted.  And my nose hurts.