Monday, 69 minutes, 7.93 miles, spin bike, 7.9 miles
I talked myself out of running the time trial on the track at school even though the predicted rain held off. I think a large part of me fears my results or at least results that will show that I’ve lost more speed than I want too. So I’m not giving myself an option. Unless it’s pouring down rain, torrential downpour, on Tuesday, I’m running that time trial. This run however started with the strangest side stitch that took a couple miles to get rid of. Eventually, it went away and the rest of the run flowed smoothly.
Tuesday, 2 mile time trial, 5.79 miles, spin bike 15.7 miles, .57 miles walking
I finally did it! I even did it with several things working against me. First, I discovered that I had only 13% battery left on my Garmin when I went out to walk the track with my students. Instead of letting that be an excuse, I used the Strava app on my phone to track as well so I would still have data if the Garmin died. Second, I needed to pick up Dad to help him get a rental car. (He needs one because his car was wrecked a few days ago by someone who failed to turn on their head lights.) Despite those excuses, I headed out there right away and got it done!
I felt so nervous after the 15 minute warm up but pushed through. On the second mile I felt like I would most definitely have slowed down and almost gave in a few times but kept pushing through and negative split! My fitness is right about where I thought: 1:57 half marathon and 4:08 marathon. I’ve got some work to do but I know I can do it.
Wednesday, streak miles, 2.49 miles, spin bike, 16.3 miles
I felt really strong on the miles, focused on good form and taking it easy. The bike even felt easy as well.
Thursday, 69 minutes, 7.75 miles, .58 miles walking
I knew I had limited time if I wanted to get this run in. My last grad class for this program started at 5:30 so I hopped on the treadmill right as soon as I got home, finishing mere minutes before logging on. I felt incredible while I ran, solid and strong. Throughout the run I focused on my form, how my legs powered through each stride. I loved the feeling. Even though I really want more miles, three hours of class comes first.
Friday, 69 minutes, 7.57 miles, spin bike, 13.7 miles
I have no idea what happens to the memories in my brain when I wait too long to write about the run. (I’m writing this Saturday.) As far as I can remember, I felt strong but wondered if running in the late afternoon, which I have to do now that I am back in the school building all day, will make my legs feel more tired for my long run.
Saturday, long run 12.25 miles, spin bike, 20 miles
At first my legs felt a little tired on this run but we soon settled in to a strong rhythm. While the temps felt a little chilly on the way out, I did not realize that the wind blew in a favorable direction on the way out. When we turned to run back however, yikes. It started to feel much harder with about four miles to go. I wondered if my run Friday had in fact tired out my legs too much. It took Mom commenting about the wind for me to realize that the wind had dramatically increased the difficulty.
Hours later I got on the bike to get the miles in and felt pretty good throughout this.
Sunday, streak mile, 1.54 miles, spin bike 20 miles, 1 mile walking
I felt really good on this mile. I always love it when my “off” day miles feel really good. It usually portends well for the upcoming week.
I also felt really good on the bike. I really enjoyed it and the time passed more quickly than before.