Back in the Swing of Things (8/14)

Before the Run

It's been a little bit since I last went running or posted anything. I did go on vacation and did a lot of walking during thst. Last week I missed due to increased anxiety when it came time to get out. But it's a new week and I'm getting back into it. I have a 40 minute easy run today. Then tomorrow will be speed/tempo work at race pace to high intensity, Thursday a medium intensity run, and Saturday will be 4 miles at medium intensity.

I did go to the running store last Wednesday and picked up 2 running shirts, they had my size, which shocked me. I had $35 dollars in discounts so they only cost my $19. It'll be nice to have 2 light weight running shirts. One is long sleeved so I won't be sporting that until it's a little cooler. The draw back is that they're both black shirts. I wish they would make big and tall running clothes in lighter colors. I heat up enough without wearing black on top of it. They did find a tank top in my size in red but I passed on it.

Post Run

It's the day after, and I made it out. I focused on sticking within Zone 2, and followed the promptings on my watch to stick to it. My watch predicted my distance which is kinda annoying, I'll show that watch I can run faster than it predicts some day!

It was a slow run (as per the training schedule). I think it was a little slower also because it's been a while since I've been out with intentions of running. It was good to get out and not be passed up by the older gentleman who was walking behind me at one point. I ran on the running/bike path near my house, most of the first mile was uphill, while the return was mostly down hill. It was a night evening to run, high 70's low 80's. Today it's not supposed to break 80° so tonight's tempo run should be nice.

It's time for work. Thanks for reading.

-Riley

Decided to Run Today

Pre-Run

Not running on Saturday got me thinking about today's workout. It was originally going to be a strength training day, but I decided to change it to a running day. It's also supposed to be a bit milder today than tomorrow when it comes to the weather. I will be trying my hot weather get up (my normal running clothes but just a lighter colored shirt). I will be doing a repeat of last weeks runs, so it should be about 46-50 minutes total time.

Today's Run

Today was my furthest distance yet for any of my runs. I will be doing the same run on Thursday. As I was running today, my back really was bothering me. I stopped and walked a couple of times because of it. I think it was the impact as I was on the cement for the first part of my run. By the time I passed the halfway mark it was doing a bit better and I was able to finish my run.

Running in the lighter colored shirt today was a big help. It was overcast and breezy for my of my run, when I got to the last leg without any shade I could really feel the difference from my typical dark shirt. So I know what shirt I will be in next week when I do my 5k.

Overall it was a good run, with ups and downs, but good. It was a really nice lunch run.

I think that's it for today. Thanks for reading.

-Riley

Monday Running and Last Week Recap

I had a brilliant idea while I was at work. It was to go to Sunset Park near my house by the Missouri River. I would run down to the river and along it for a bit, then run back uphill and get in another half mile and then I would be done. By the time I went to the bottom of the hill, the realization I would be going back uphill had set in. It was harder than I thought. I walked most of the way back up the hill and kept losing my breath. I couldn't breathe deep enough to get it back. That hill sucked the strength right out of me. I will be doing it again in the future and earlier in the day. Running at 5:30 p.m. was part of my problem. As I was coming back up I crossed paths with a couple, and two other people just walking the path. I admit I was jealous that they were walking without gasping for air. It was a tough run and I know where I can do some hill sprints now.

Tomorrow's run will be at my normal time around noon. I will then be taking Wednesday off and then training Thursday with a run, Friday with strength training, and Saturday with a run.

 Last week in numbers.

• Workout: 
• Monday: Strength Training
• Tuesday & Thursday: Warmup (5) | 6-minute run / 2-minute walk x4 | Cool down (5)
  
• Total Time: 1:44:10
• Average Split: 0:18:36
• Total Distance: 4.55
• Shoes: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v12

Thanks for reading.

-Riley