... It's the Freakin Weekend ...

Saturday
Distance: 7 miles
Pace: 10:15
About this Run:
Its a great feeling to be back "in-training" with the tribe!  I missed Day 1 last Saturday because of Red Nose (or not Red Nose as it were).  Going into this run, I wanted to settle the question: top of 10 minute pace group, or back of 9 minute pace group?  I think that I decided not to 'graduate' until fall.  I can already hold 8:57 for 3.1, and 10:06 for 13.1 as a race pace, but for training runs, 9:50 - 10:15 seems just about right, especially with hills.   for sure still need the pack behind me, instead of all in front of me leaving me to get lost.  9:50 - 10:15 was plenty strenuous.  For sure not a full out race pace, where I had nothing in the tank, but plenty.  If I am feeling particularly plucky after the indicator run, or as I continue to train, I will go back and forth.

Other stuff:
I like running as a participant, and think that when I run long, I will not want to be a run lead for a very, very good long time.  Peachtree, maybe, but Fall half/full, I'm going to keep for myself for as many years as possible.  Its fun not to worry that you are running 9:50 in a 10 minute pace group.  That's for the run lead to figure out. ;)

AND

To music or not to music, that is the question ..
I have a crutch, and that crutch is my headphones.  The track club I train with **seriously discourages** headphones.  I would never wear them as a run lead, and I hardly need them at all now.  But .. they're a crutch.  I need them at least in my bra even if I never pull them out.  If I am with a group or a run lead, I don't need them at all.  But for parts of the run that are solo ... and dark and grueling ... I just need to know that if nothing else, music has got my back.  In fact, you're going to have a hard time talking me out of closing my eyes (which I do) if the going REALLY gets tough, let alone not popping in at least one earbud and 'losing myself.' (Thanks, Eminem).  And I do feel guilty, because others who see me might not know that they ARE dangerous, and that you should use precaution.  On the other hand, this isn't daycare, and I am a full-grown responsible 37 year old adult, right?  I am going to use good judgement, I am going to keep the music low, I'm only going to use one, I am going to make sure I can hear street noise, and I am going to seek out run buddies and leads MOST of the time.  (obviously since I have made myself an entire running family :) )  But at the very core of me, I am a bit of an introvert, and I just ALSO enjoy zoning out when its safe (like on the Belt line).  Soooo ... I'm not going to ban them yet; next Saturday, I might just bury them in my outfit a little better so that I don't get any slack. ;)  lol.  I'll keep them for treadmill, speed work, and the long run (in tiny spurts, only if needed).  Plus races.  I ***NEED*** them during races. :/  But not Monday 10k, Tuesday W5K, or Sunday W5K.  Lets hope that works out and I don't end up in trainee jail. :)

Sunday
Distance: 3.1 + 2 mile walk
Pace: 9:41
About this Run:
Running on the weekend as much as possible seems like a good idea, and until the Women's training begins to settle into a predictable pattern, I have to assume that Sunday training will count as a rest day.  So AS and I decided to get together an hour early for 3.1 easy.  Well ... easy-ish.  Man, that girl can run.  She is training to run with her practically new born baby, but even with a stroller, I hardly noticed she was there except for chatting.  Unlike my raggedy attempt at breathing in the wind. :) Pretty amazing! So anyhoo, temperature was great, company was great, and results were on target.

The women's session was not very taxing.  Cheering in the participants on their indicator run was super fun!

The session with Mizuno after for strength-training, though .. oh. my. god.  I've put it off for two  years, but I guess I do have to start working out my arms and core if I don't want to turn into a T-REX!  I can run a half-marathon, but apparently, holding my shoes in my hand for a few minutes will be my down fall.  Needless to say, I will be staying for Mizuno training every chance I get!

Coming Up

On the schedule: Monday 6 miles this afternoon with KK, Tuesday 3.1 on treadmill in AM, and W5K training in the PM, rest Wednesday, speed work on Thursday (I plan to do my own indicator at OCEE park), and then .. Double Race Weekend!  8k on Saturday, and 15k on Sunday.  Because the Hot Chocolate 15k will be more of a fun run, I plan to give the 8k everything I've got.  Ideal would be to be able to hold my 8:57 5k PR pace for the full 5 miles: 45 minute chip time.  If I can't hit that, under 50 for moderate goal, and current 8k PR is 55 and change, so under that for easy goal.  15K goal: park successfully, have fun, and consume massive quantities of chocolate! :)