9 miles in 4 days!

Inspired by the power of writing last Tuesday, I went for a run on Wednesday night.  The temperature was perfect - about 67 degrees.  Just after finishing my first mile in the typical spot, I ran past Jeff Linger, long time friend and would be running mentor.  It was perfect timing.  I believe I was supposed to cross paths with him, pun intended.  I instantly spun around and started running side by side with him.  He was able to converse easily at an 8:45 pace, and was just warming up.  I could feel that it was a little fast for my pace, but doable.  We finished the next 2 miles together, after which I bowed out, having reached my goal, and feeling that I had already pushed beyond my maximum heart rate for the last mile.

Distance: 3 miles 9/28/16
Time:  27 min
Pace: 

He gave me several pieces of advice while we ran:

• Don't add too many miles in one week period, but steadily increase to prevent injury
• If doing 6 miles a week in two, 3 mile runs, consider increasing by doing shorter runs, but more frequently, to increase to 7 miles.
• Decide what I was running for, and adjust my plan accordingly:  Was I running to weight loss?  To feel good?  To compete?  
• Running with a friend is a great way to get support.  He said he is almost always in the park on Wednesday nights.  I said "sound's great!"  Next week he is not there, but should be thereafter
• Reward self with new running gear and such when it starts to feel boring - have an excuse like "Hey, i'm going to try out these new shoes, shorts, or whatever"
• Using technology, such as watches, aren't needed so much after you know your course, and know your pace.  It may help if you are training to compete, or as a mental challenge, but may distract also from the run.  Pros and Cons - there are many on both sides.  I told him that part of the reason I was running that night was because of my Apple Watch, and my determination to get a full 30 min of running.  I fell short of that with him, as we ran the 3 miles in 27 min.  I did walk another 1.5 miles after that fast pace.  When he saw me again, he said "still going!  Love it!"  
• He has been down to about 7 min/mile pace when competing in marathons!  Wow
• His average run is in Fenton Park, and he uses an figure eight shaped path that he taught me. 
• The first steps are the hardest - once I get out the door, it's much easier to run
• Will need a shell and some Underarmor type protection for upcoming cold season.  A "breathable shell" as he called it.  That's new.  Gotta figure out what that is!.  

3 days later (Yesterday)  10/01/2016

Distance: 6.3 miles

Time: 60 minutes

Pace: 

This certainly added a LOT more miles to the week.  

It was partly a mental exercise to see if I could do a 10K.  I sort of forgot that a 10K is 6.6 miles.  No matter.

I thought I had perhaps overdone it, as my neck hurt afterwards, but typing here the next day, i feel confident and inspired.  

I was delighted to have run all of Fenton Park, then traversed to Minnie Ha Ha Park in Sunset Hills, then up to the Tapawingo Golf Course and back home.  I had measured by car that it would give me almost a 10K run without seeing the same terrain twice.  I noticed that the run was exhilarating in a way that running laps is NOT.  It was an adventure!  I could feel part of me wanting to run even farther, but decided not to based on two things: 1) Unfamiliarity with the area,  2) I was 3 miles away from home, with clouds coming in.  

Since then, I've taken a better look at my run.  It looks like a great option is to keep running a long trail in Minnie Ha Ha Park along the riverside.  

It certainly is nice to be running where there are a lot of people, compared to my last 10K, which took me north through Eminegger Park and then through a very deserted feeling industrial park.  SO much better to run around people.  

I haven't started to add other exercises, but would be wise to stretch and rest today.  Besides, it's SUNDAY!  :)   

Grateful that the car accident I was in just two weeks ago didn't hurt me enough to stop me from running. I've been frustrated with my recovering ankle from a sprain in March of 2016.  This run represents my breaking through the wall of resistance due to ankle pain as well as new neck issues from being hit by a hydroplaning car.  So grateful it was a side impact, and not whiplash.  

New Program

I purchased a new program for my iphone/apple watch called "Streaks".  It's great because it encourages me to not "break the chain", which is another concept that I spoke about with Jeff.  I feel that creating new habits requires a "don't break the chain" mentality, with each link in the chain being doable.