Yesterday I had a Tempo Run on schedule, and for the first time I planned it to be outside - avoid the Rotating Belt! Last Winter/Spring, when I started doing Speedwork consistently, I was always on the treadmill. It was “easier”; I set a pace and had to keep it (unless I wanted to fall OFF, which I did Not), and the surface was predictable (i.e. Flat).
With a high of 45, the sun setting just a little bit later these days, and a few logistics finally figured out? It was All Systems GO. I changed into all my gear right before leaving work, parked my car at the house, hopped right out and got started! No lounging, no wasting time on the ‘net, no second-guessing if I felt like running – just GO. The feet took me right into Rock Creek Park, and we headed down to the Mall…
******
I hadn’t thought about it before, but quickly realized I had never done a tempo run outside and on my own. Sure, sometimes I use the group runs to go “faster”, but never with any specific pace or distance in mind. I just follow some of my buddies that typically run at a quicker pace than I do. Easy! This one, solo? Not so easy.
My legs felt heavy; I had to stop and get a stick out of my sock (excuse me, where did you come from?!); and my hands were instantly questioning why the heck I was wearing Gloves (hott!). Oh, sure, this run will be great….
8:33 - stick = Out. Legs = Slow. This run = Not lookin’ good! Ugh.
8:07 Pick it up! Getting close to downtown, it’s flat – downhill, almost. C’mon C’mon..
7:40 Heyo! There’s a number I like to see…Hi Lincoln! Love these memorials.
7:29 Go with it; Juuust go with it. Stop for the Light! And…one more!
7:21 Uh, there you are Gaga. Geeze. I’ve been waiting.
8:22 Sloow it down! Planning fail? An incline for the cooldown. Ouch.
5.85 mi - 46:10 – @ avg 7:55 min/mile
*****
Time for dinner!! We experimented with a Baked Butternut Squash Pasta; basically this means I looked at about 4 recipes, combined them in my head and then played with what we had on hand. Verdict? Delicious!!! I’ll be posting pics, and the recipe, for you kids tomorrow!
Oh, the peanut butter balls have also been made. Yup, they’ll be making an appearance on Friday as well. YUM.
*****
In the meantime, I’ll be doing an easy 5 miler tonight and staying OUT of the kitchen.
Sequoia, I hope you’re ready for us….
Yesterday I had a Tempo Run on schedule, and for the first time I planned it to be outside - avoid the Rotating Belt! Last Winter/Spring, when I started doing Speedwork consistently, I was always on the treadmill. It was “easier”; I set a pace and had to keep it (unless I wanted to fall OFF, which I did Not), and the surface was predictable (i.e. Flat).
With a high of 45, the sun setting just a little bit later these days, and a few logistics finally figured out? It was All Systems GO. I changed into all my gear right before leaving work, parked my car at the house, hopped right out and got started! No lounging, no wasting time on the ‘net, no second-guessing if I felt like running – just GO. The feet took me right into Rock Creek Park, and we headed down to the Mall…
******
I hadn’t thought about it before, but quickly realized I had never done a tempo run outside and on my own. Sure, sometimes I use the group runs to go “faster”, but never with any specific pace or distance in mind. I just follow some of my buddies that typically run at a quicker pace than I do. Easy! This one, solo? Not so easy.
My legs felt heavy; I had to stop and get a stick out of my sock (excuse me, where did you come from?!); and my hands were instantly questioning why the heck I was wearing Gloves (hott!). Oh, sure, this run will be great….
8:33 - stick = Out. Legs = Slow. This run = Not lookin’ good! Ugh.
8:07 Pick it up! Getting close to downtown, it’s flat – downhill, almost. C’mon C’mon..
7:40 Heyo! There’s a number I like to see…Hi Lincoln! Love these memorials.
7:29 Go with it; Juuust go with it. Stop for the Light! And…one more!
7:21 Uh, there you are Gaga. Geeze. I’ve been waiting.
8:22 Sloow it down! Planning fail? An incline for the cooldown. Ouch.
5.85 mi - 46:10 – @ avg 7:55 min/mile
*****
Time for dinner!! We experimented with a Baked Butternut Squash Pasta; basically this means I looked at about 4 recipes, combined them in my head and then played with what we had on hand. Verdict? Delicious!!! I’ll be posting pics, and the recipe, for you kids tomorrow!
Oh, the peanut butter balls have also been made. Yup, they’ll be making an appearance on Friday as well. YUM.
*****
In the meantime, I’ll be doing an easy 5 miler tonight and staying OUT of the kitchen.
Sequoia, I hope you’re ready for us….