Working for the Weekend

So I have taken a short hiatus from writing, but I haven't given up on the running. Last Saturday Kelly and I had a goal of circling Lake Calhoun twice (6.2 miles). We were not smart enough to get up early to do this, so we ventured out and started our run at 10:30 AM. The sun was hot and there was hardly a breeze. Not the best day to put in the longest run of our short training program. It turns out that I sweat, a lot, and that I should never forget to bring a towel. I think Kelly's car has recovered......

It was definitely a struggle and the toughest run I have had to this point. I had done 5.5 miles before, but all were run in the early mornings and never in temperatures about 80 degrees. 80 degrees didn't sound that warm on Saturday, but it felt like 120 degrees. The sun absolutely does something to your body. I questioned my ability to run 26.2 miles several times during the hour I put in. The best part was after we were done with this run, I got to drive to New Prague to play baseball!! My legs felt great..........

I gave myself Sunday off and ran Monday morning. My legs were pretty sore but loosened up as I went. I was able to log 5.5 miles that morning. Fighting off geese only twice, it was a good start to the week. After a two day lay-off, I pushed myself pretty hard on Thursday. I only put in 4 miles, but ran at a pace that is 45 seconds per mile faster than I had been running previously.

This all leads to today where Kelly and I ran 6 miles together along the Minnesota River trail in Shakopee. It was a relaxing run and it is definitely more fun to run with your partner. It was also much easier for both of us compared to last Saturday, which proves it had to be the sun and heat that attributed to the struggle a week ago. We both felt great after today's run, which is how it should be.

Random thoughts from todays run.

1) Didn't know that Shakopee had a brewery in the 1800's
2) Not sure why I get pumped up every time a Metallica song starts on the iPod.
3) How much beer will we drink this weekend in Milwaukee? The world may never know...