Thursday evening, I ran with one of my new run buddies. There are actually two new people in the group that run a pace similar to mine. Only one was there on Thursday. We did 4 miles in about 41:40 which works out to a 10:25 pace. It was a good partnership. I was trying to move a bit faster, the run buddy was trying to run without stopping. We pushed each other along and it was a win-win.
Friday morning I had an appt with Trainer. Lately he's been working my upper body hard. In a way that causes sore muscles (in a good way) the next day. Friday was no exception. Owie my arms!
Saturday morning I was scheduled to run six with my run buddies. The plan was to run 4 miles easy, then pick it up for the last two miles and run those at a 10:20-10:30 pace. We agreed that if anyone couldn't keep up for the last two miles, the others could leave them behind at that point. We also planned to walk about a half mile afterwards as a cool down.
Let's just say...it didn't quite go as planned.
I'll start with the good stuff. I'm very happy with my 'easy' pace for miles 1-4. Those came in at about 11:15 average. If that's my new easy pace, I'll take it! Plus it was awesome having *two* run buddies during that time. And I'd be remiss not to mention that I was running without pain; that's always a good thing.
Now the not so good stuff. When it came time to pick up the pace, one of the run biddies did a great job and surged on ahead. The other stayed back and was just going to maintain an easy pace. As for me, I tried to pick up the pace, but to no avail. I hit the target pace for about a half mile, but was really struggling. Not fun.
So I changed strategy. I slowed down so the other run buddy could catch up. We decided to make the final mile enjoyable and took a walk break when we hit a shady spot. There was no shade on the trail and it was taking a toll on both of us. Next week, she wants to show me a different loop with some trees. Sounds good to me!
Here's what Garmin says:
mile 1 - 11:01
mile 2 - 11:15
mile 3 - 11:12
mile 4 - 11:26
mile 5 - 11:03 (half mile at 10:20, the other half at 11:25)
mile 6 - 13:33 (includes walk break)
Today is a scheduled rest day, although I might do some yoga later this afternoon. I could use the stretch.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend folks!!
Nice work! I know the run didn't go as planned but it sounded like you did the best you could considering the heat.
ReplyDeleteGreat run! It's nice to have someone to run with, and push each other!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a few great people to run with -- great stuff! Awesome that your easy pace is getting faster too! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't even tried to get out there in this heat - I don't think I'd be able to even run easy out there.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have two running buds! It really makes the time go.
Still a great run, even if it didn't go quite as planned. Glad to hear you have a couple of buddies now, too!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's not 'perfect' as you planned but sometimes your body knows better than you what 'perfect' is. Keep up the good work. I'm so happy you have running buddies. Life gets easier with them. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou all did what you could.
ReplyDeleteWe had an 80 degree day this past week. That is not spring weather! I could hardly move.
Maybe it didn't go exactly as planned, but (1) you ran [a lot more than most people did today!], (2) you had a fast comfy pace, (3) you have 2 running buddies, and (4) no pain !
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Glad you've found some like-paced runners. That always helps to push you a little harder sometimes. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found some good running buddies! It sounds like you had a good run, in spite of the heat and lack of shade.
ReplyDeleteOh well. It was a good start and a fun day - that's what'll keep you running!
ReplyDeleteYep, somedays you tell your legs what to do and they just don't listen. But you put the miles in and are back to running pain free, which is good!
ReplyDeleteA sweet six miler!! Good stuff!!
ReplyDelete:-)
Nice job on the run. And, it's always good to look at the bright side, those positives are important.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a good run! Taking the pressure off makes everything more fun and sometimes the surprising result is improvement without expecting it.
ReplyDeleteVery nice!! Running with other peeps is always fun :-)
ReplyDeleteglad to hear you are pain free, that is the best!! I figure some days just aren't the runs we hope for, but really it's about enjoying the whole process and you're doing that!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is nice to have a running buddy!!! Keep up the good work girlie!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like some solid consistent training. I think it's so great that you found people that go your pace!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a couple good runs. Great job!
ReplyDelete11:15 easy pace? Look who's becoming a Speedy McSpeederton! Nice job and YAY! For new run buddies.
ReplyDeleteSounds like those new running buddies will be great.
ReplyDeleteI love meeting new running partners. I have 2 running groups at work - the young boys who are super fast and the other guys who run at an easier pace. It's great to have the balance of both. Also, this is a bit delayed, but great job on your push-up event!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes runs don't always go according to plan. You got in miles and found a new easy pace, that's great!
ReplyDeleteToo bad you aren't closer we're not that far off from each others pace.
Nothing wrong with adjusting your plan on the go. Keep on rockin!
ReplyDeleteRunning without pain is always a really, really good thing! I hope you enjoyed the rest of the weekend.
ReplyDeleteGood work on the run and staying with it..... Running in the shade is something to aim for IMHO... particularly after my weekend just gone. Phewy!
ReplyDelete