Mileage, Out of Order

Distance: 9.3 mi.
Time: 1:09:18.
Pace: 7:28.

I attempted something in the form of a long run today, even though it's Friday. I agreed to go down to Greenville with my better half to watch as she paced her sister in the Reedy River 10k. I had also offered to help my brother-in-law move a load of furniture. So I have a full weekend planned. Time to do some work on a Friday morning.

Heavy morning storms prevented this thing from being any longer, but I put in 9+ at an easy 7:28 pace. My upper legs are still pretty tight but I felt better than I did yesterday. I did the one section of the Corporate Cup course with which I wasn't familiar, and it's going to be a doozy. There's a long, gradual climb up Colony Road past Myers Park High. This is around the 10th mile and will likely be the make-or-break portion of the course, at least for me.

Can't Get Out Of Dilworth

Distance: 9.63 mi.
Time: 1:12:08.7 - 7:30 ppm.

Despite Monday's run at near McAlpine, I have been a major road warrior these days. I believe simulation is best, and as long as my body doesn't feel the wear and tear, the roads may be the law of the day for awhile. Actually, that's complete crap; I'm just a creature of habit, and I've gotten in the habit of running in the roads around Dilworth and Myers Park for awhile now instead of hitting the trails.

At the end of today's run, I found myself side-by-side with a dad and his young son, who were on bikes. I couldn't help but overhear their conversation, as Dad was explaining to an inquisitive Junior that he needn't worry about the upcoming mountain trip - the family would be safe from the advances of Bigfoot. Now that's funny.

Take it Easy

5.47 mi.
40:58.32 - 7:30 ppm.

I felt relaxed again today as I just tried to get the legs moving. I've noticed my easy runs have gotten faster lately, which isn't necessarily a good thing. It could be a sign that things are just getting easier for me, but there's really no point in trying to push it on what's supposed to be a low-key day. Alex, Matt, Mike and I talked at length about this on Sunday's long run. 

Sore Heel is Back

Distance: 9.68 mi.
Time: 1:13:14 - 7:34 ppm.

Despite the decent pace, I know I was hurting on this one. No sooner do I brag about my heel no longer bothering me than it starts to bother me again. I ran around the neighboring streets for a bit not feeling so good, but got the miles done. I have decided it's time to finally hang up the trusty Nike Air Pegasus. I have gotten close to 400 miles out of them, but the way my legs feel I think 360 is about the right number. Either way, that's more like it, shoes. 

Tuesday Morning Wake-Up Call

I mapped an eight-mile route in my neighborhood in the hopes of trying something new.  I headed south, uphill on Randolph Road, as a change of scenery and wound past Queens University and into Freedom Park before heading home.  I didn't enjoy this route, though; things may have been different at the start but I still had to loop through Eastover on the way home and I found myself really wanting to get off the streets.  The route was actually 8.53 miles and I completed it today in 1:05:03/7:38 per mile.  I had some extra tightness in my left shin and left ankle but nothing that slowed me down.