Marathon Dreamer

Nice EZ run at 9:21 average pace.  Took some advice from some great people on our discussion forum and slowed the pace to almost a full minute slower than my usual.  This felt more like a stamina/endurance run but it was actually enjoyable.  It didn't really feel as mentally taxing as my usual runs either.  I should have run actually even a little slower and I did try to, but honestly it just felt unnatural.  Breathing was easy.  The first 2 miles I felt very stiff and my knee caps hurt, but once I settled into pace... it came together.  Miles 3-12 were relaxing-  I enjoyed hearing the waves and feeling the light breeze along the ocean.  Miles 13-15 I was a bit tired but continued to be consistent with the pace that I set for myself.  It wasn't overly humid and I brought my water belt so I was able to easily hydrate.  Took in 3 gels during the run and was also sure to carb load yesterday.  Only stopped once for 2 minutes to wipe my face and apply my chapstick.  I feel great at the moment.... but my right heel where I have a touch of plantar fasciitis will need some attending to with an ice pack.  Planning to spend the afternoon with some great friends at a local resort.  Looking forward to eating good and a beer or two will surely be in there somewhere!!

Ouch.... my knee caps hurt the first 2 miles, then of course the PF in my right foot was also keeping me aware of every step... had to stop a few times and stretch then rub the knees.  After the first 2 miles, all that pain just disappeared and I was feeling pretty good.  Through in a bit of a tempo/interval run in there.  Ran a new route this morning which had 2 hills (Mazatlan is pretty flat overall), so I was happy to have a bit of a challenge.  Wasn't in the mood to run at all honestly, but it seems that once I get going I get over myself and just get it done.  Put my legs in the pool afterwards.... tough standing up after sitting there for 20 minutes.  Going to buy some athletic tape today in hopes of taking care of this PF.  It needs to go away!!!  Today is my little boy Evan's 7th Birthday!!!  I plan on making it special for him with a few surprises when he gets home from school....

Not hydrated enough for this run... it was a bit of carnage but I got the mileage done.  Glad it's over... my legs have not recovered from sunday's long run or even from monday's fast run.  Gonna cool it tomorrow and make myself run slow!!!

Nice run along the malecon with my friend Martha... lost her after about 2 miles.... she was just tuckered and needed to slow up a bit more.  Average pace 9:12 per mile.  Felt pretty EZ.  Tomorrow is going to be my tough run of the week.... shooting for a 10 mile tempo run.  The reward is a few beers at Rancho California Bar and Grill tomorrow night... ;-)  Gonna fuel up today- started it off with a nice omlette with plenty of toast after my run... washed it down with water and a fabulous cup of gourmet coffee.  What a great morning.  No real pain to speak of today.  Right heel a tad sore getting out of bed this morning, but I was on my feet a lot yesterday.  Bought a new Nike sports bra and new socks at the mall yesterday.... and yes... I was very excited about that!!!

All I can say, is I am going to be a hurtin' unit tomorrow.  My effort level felt about a 8.5 out of 10.  This run was a fun run though (when I wasn't gasping for air during a 30 second breather)... broke it up as to not tax myself too much mentally with the brutalness of it!!  It really is getting warm here!!  Mixture of repeats, intervals and tempo all rolled into a beautiful "kick my rear to China" 8 miles!!  Had a 1mile warm up and 1 mile cool down.... I can feel my right heel aching already (the one with the PF).  Saw this lady running on the malecon up ahead of me at one point... she had the strangest stride I'd ever seen but she was scooting along at a great pace for me, so I tried to keep up with her for probably 3 miles or so.  My pace was everywhere.... for my intervals I was mostly in the mid 6's range, and my tempo work was in the low 7's to low 8's.  My reward for this tough effort today?  A couple of Negra Modelo cervezas and guacamole dip!!  Cannot wait for 5pm.... heck may go sooner... it's 5 o'clock somewhere... right?

Decided to switch my rest day to today.  I slept terrible last night and I was just exhausted this morning.  My legs were real tired from yesterday's speed work.  Looking forward to a good night's sleep tonight.  Tomorrow will be a short run to loosen up the legs.  Wanting to be well rested for Sunday's long run.  Hoping to go at least 18 miles.

Feeling much more rested this morning after a good night's sleep.  I still feel a bit drained so I only did a short 4 miler nice and slow at 9:33 pace.  By tomorrow... I should be ready for my long run.