Fantastic Run!

I've been afraid to admit it, but several of my prior runs have not been pleasurable. I blamed the heat, I blamed the additional mileage, well I blamed everything I could think of, but whatever it is the runs have not been gratifying.

All this changed with a single run. Tonight's run energized my soul.

While looking over my prior runs I only found two miles that were under ten minutes, since July 2nd. I can honestly say, "I'm OK with that". But, just when I think I have this running thing figured out, I have one of these really great days.

Of course, the run was with the Striders, who always bring out the best in me. A combination of stretching, proper hydration, and the group run environment paid off big with an impressive 9:09 overall pace for 5.2 miles.

This was the first occasion in a long time that the left shin was completely free of discomfort. The pace felt comfortable and I was running a "seven" on a scale of 1-10. So, there was a lot left in the tank. Near the end, I asked Lisa to "talk to me", because the heat was playing mental games on me, making me feel the false need to walk. She obliged and took it a step further with a sub-9 minute pace for the last half mile. The recovery was quick. Looking back I wish I had added a mile to the end. These utopia runs don't happen often for me, so I need to take advantage when I experience one.

The post run gathering at Beck's Prime was great. I always love listening to the passion that accomplished runners have about the sport. Tonight's Beck superstar crew included Coach Steeve, Matt, Bessie, and Lee.

Activity: Group Run
Mileage: 5.20 miles
Time: 47:41 -- 9:09 pace
Splits:
9:21
9:04
9:13
9:17
8:59
1:44 (0.20 mile)
Location: Memorial Park
How I Felt: 10