On This Day I Can Run...So I Will!

Went to the trach at the local community college to do speed work today.  I got to the track after church, about 11:30.  No one was there and I was happy to see one corner of the track was under shade.  Looks like the school doesn't use the track for running anymore but they use the field in the center for soccer.  I could tell its not used for running because part of the lanes are covered by the field grass.  There is also benches set up right on the straight away.  Still plenty of room for running though.

The surface of the track is nice and rubbery.  Felt good on my feet and legs.  I did a warm up then chose to do one lap at 8:40 pace.  I picked up the pace for my speed lap and was surprised by the pace I saw on my watch.  My speed was in the high 7's and low 8's.  Couldn't believe I was running that fast.  I guessed the track was bouncing back allowing my pace to be faster.  I did 2 quarter mile speed laps with a recovery inbetween.  Then I did 1 half mile speed run trying to keep my pace around 8:40.  After another recovery lap I did 1 more quarter mile lap of speedwork.  After that I finished out to 5 miles just toying with my pace to see if I could judge my speed.  I was pretty accurate at guessing my 10:30 and 9:30 pace.  

Can't wait to do this again next Sunday.  I'm hoping I can get more 1/2 mile laps in and work my way up to a complet mile at 8:40 ... We'll see :)

Spinning today.  Great class.  Classes will be starting 30 min earlier starting next Tuesday (5:30am).  Wonder if that will make a difference in attendance.  There were 4 of us spinning today.

13 miles on the treadmill.  I knew it would be boring but had to try to keep myself busy.  I listened to podcasts on the "No Fly Zone", the origination of the "Happy Birthday" song, and the  amazing features of the duckbill platypus.  (Did you know they lay eggs and secrete milk to feed their young?)  Amazing.

I also watched events on the news about the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's. "I Have a Dream" speech on the Mall in DC.  Things sure have changed for the better over the last 50 years.  

Before I knew it I was done and glad to be done.  I think I have done that only one other time and that was with my favorite pirate.

Two miles in the hood just to loosen up and wake up.  Had to use my headlamp but it was so dim I just took it off and held it.  Gotta get new batteries.

Went to the park and ran a shady loop.  Nice breeze today.  Another runner on the trail saw a snake cross the path.  Kept my eyes open and altert for more.  Excited about doing speedwork again tomorrow at the college track.  Hope my legs hold up for this training ... the race is coming up fast.