Progression Run

Let me start out by saying...I got a FULL night's sleep last night. I don't know HOW that happened, but it felt great! It helped to start the morning out on a positive note, with my 7 mile progression run ahead!

About 6:20, I left the house, waited for the Garmin to acquire satellite signal, and started my run, nice and easy. My first mile was completed in 8:35. I purposely slowed myself to make sure I wasn't going out too hard!

The second mile (the first of 5 for the actual PROGRESSION run) was pretty easy just under 8 minutes (7:54). My third mile was done at a 7:44 pace. Unfortunately, that's the mile where I met up with a couple of crazy little dogs and couldn't get them to go back home (I tried to use the pepper spray, but couldn't get it to work). It was a little scary, but their owner called them back (FINALLY) and off they went. Seriously, people. PUT YOUR PETS AWAY! T said I shouldn't worry about running all out to make up time like that. I guess my pride got in the way, and I really wanted this to be a progression run...that's my story. Anyway, it kind of ruined the rest of my run. After running so hard and fast to make up for the "DOG" time, I felt really wiped. I still ran 7:09 for mile 4, and 7:03 and 7:01 for miles 5 and 6. But I was really hoping to have the last mile (if not the last 2 miles) under 7 minutes. That was my goal. Well, running is all about adjusting. We may be adjusting because of weather, animals, or injury and pain. I have to learn that not EVERY run is going to be stellar (or better each time). I'm happy with my progress.

For the last mile, the cooldown, I didn't want to run...I was hurting! But I pressed on and finished my last mile in 8:07. Good run for the day!

School was absolutely amazing! It's crazy, fast paced, and a really great learning experience (sounds like running to me!). I have one and a half weeks left! How's that for a 3 credit semester's worth class!?

Thought for the day: You will never climb the mountain if you never make it past the hill.