4 miles of Recovery

After a weekend of high humidity and heat, it was very nice to run in much cooler and pleasant weather conditions. The wind really felt nice and kept me cool. I was originally scheduled to run 5 miles, but I had to make a quick decision to cut my mileage down to 4 miles when my quad muscles were still very sore. I did not want to increase my chances for a serious injury. Once I was finished with my run, I picked up a post-run smoothie and then headed home to ice and stretch my muscles. I hope to feel better to run tomorrow.

Mile 1 9:31
Mile 2 9:33
Mile 3 9:04
Mile 4 9:17

Wind Resistant vs. Solar Heat

Which one is worse?

I woke up earlier this morning so I could start beating the heat in order to complete today's 4 mile run. Well, by the time I got out to the IL Prairie Path the temps were in the lower 70's, but the humidity was much lower than yesterday. As I started my run, I started running WB on the path right into the wind. It get me a lot of resistance and made me work for my splits. By the time I got to my mile 2 turnaround, I was getting happy to finally have the wind at my back.

But my happiness was short-lived when I realize the winds were keeping me cool. It quickly got really, really warm. I was psyched to finish my run without overheating. I am slowly learning that I need to get up a little more early if I want to avoid the heat even more. I plan to start that tomorrow morning when I wake up at 6 AM instead of 7.

Mile 1 9:31
Mile 2 9:29
Mile 3 9:14
Mile 4 9:25

5 miles....DONE!

Yes, I did it and finished my 5 mile run this morning. I was unfortunately delayed to complete it and had to swap rest days between today and yesterday. I had decided to mow the lawn on Monday morning since it had been weeks since it was done and my dry days were limited this week. I also decided to try some new core exercises as well. I should have stopped myself because I woke up yesterday with ultra sore back and abdominal muscles, which resulted enacting a ultra lazy day for me. Plus the weather did not help at all, which came with cold and rainy conditions. It's a good day to rest..period.

Well, when I woke up this morning, I felt much better and the weather was much better too. The conditions were perfect until I struggled the last 1 1/2 miles that I had left. But I got it done and I was happy to do so. I have more running on tap tomorrow. Depending on how I feel, I will do either speed workout or just 4 miles along the lakefront. Let's see what the weather also has in mind for me too.

Mile 1 9:22
Mile 2 9:21
Mile 3 9:22
Mile 4 9:27
Mile 5 9:44

Avg Pace - 9:27/mi

8 miles...DONE!

I had a slight delay on my weekly long run. The weather yesterday was stormy so I was forced to put it off until today. When I woke up this morning, I was so happy that I put off the run. The weather was absolutely PERFECT - cool, low humidity, and perfect wind speed to just keep me cool. The running path was 85% dry with some muddy spots where I had to run around or just not care that my shoes get a little dirty. When I finished, it felt really good. I am starting feel good about 1st of two big races coming up - the Rock-n-Roll Chicago Half-Marathon, which is less than 2 months away.

Bring...it...on!

Mile 1 9:25
Mile 2 9:24
Mile 3 9:23
Mile 4 9:34
Mile 5 9:30
Mile 6 9:28
Mile 7 9:23
Mile 8 9:13

Avg Pace - 9:25/mi

Midweek 5 miler

After not running since Saturday, I went out today and stuck by my schedule for a 5 miler today. I was supposed to run yesterday, but my quads were shot from the additional painting I did on Monday. I switched it up for cross-training. By the time I got out for my run, it was very nice out with clear skies after several days of cloudy and rainy conditions. I struggled during the last mile, but I still finished strong.

Mile 1 9:22
Mile 2 9:10
Mile 3 9:10
Mile 4 9:10
Mile 5 9:20

Avg Pace: 9:15/mi

7 miles for my dad

It has been 5 years since my dad has passed from cancer. My dad's death was the one reason that I started running. I used my run today to honor his memory. The weather was perfect, but I know that I need to tweak my diet still to get it right so I have consistant energy during my long runs.

Here's my splits:

Mile 1 9:31
Mile 2 9:31
Mile 3 9:27
Mile 4 9:39
Mile 5 9:20
Mile 6 9:23
Mile 7 9:24

Total time: 1:06:15
Avg Pace: 9:28/mi

4 miles of Speed Cometh

I hit the Prairie Path once this afternoon for another 4 mile run. The weather was much better than Saturday with warmer temps and no rain, but still had to deal with a gusty E/NE wind and cloudy conditions. I will let the splits speak for themselves.

Mile 1 9:29 (away from the wind)
Mile 2 9:32 (away from the wind)
Mile 3 9:17 (running into the wind)
Mile 4 9:00 (running into the wind)

Avg Pace - 9:19/mi

I hope to get a run in tomorrow. The weather doesn't look favorable, but I will make it a wait and see approach. It's going to be a week of modifications to my training schedule if the weather plays it wild card.

A Cold, Rainy, Windy 6 miler...

...but I still managed to get it to done easily.

Mile 1 9:33
Mile 2 9:30
Mile 3 9:26
Mile 4 9:25
Mile 5 9:13
Mile 6 9:08

How's those apples?

Come bringth the wind and heat for 4 miles

I came. I conquered. I rewarded myself with a smoothie! Yum!

5 Miler on the IL Prairie Path

It was a great run today. It was perfect weather.

My 1st ride on New Bike

Mile 1 - 7:12
Mile 2 - 5:20
Mile 3 - 4:21
Mile 4 - 4:48
Mile 5 - 4:45
Mile 6 - 5:03
Mile 7 - 5:34
Mile 8 - 5:00
Mile 9 - 4:21
Mile 10 - 5:32
Mile 11 - 4:51
Mile 12 - 5:12
Mile 13 - 5:07

It was an awesome ride!