Post Quit Running...

Simple equation to get faster.... Train for a distance far more than you're mentally prepared, decide to quit just past the mid-way point, proceed to run shorter distances than your used to... It's worked for me every time I've done it (this once).

I ran 6 miles today in 53:30. That's about 8:55 pace. I'd have to say that is the fastest I've run that distance in a long time... Wanna know something else? The second half I thought we slowed down and I was Chatty Cathy the entire run (ran w/ Justin and Lisa). But... we actually sped up. We ran the first half in just over 9:00 mile pace. We ran the second half in 8:45 pace. I was shocked when I looked at the times in our post-run cool down.

So folks... The moral of the story? I'll take this one from the Simpsons.. ""well, son...you tried your best and you failed miserably...lesson is: never try." Apparently quitting makes you fast. Who knew?

Bdee Bdee Bdee... That's All Folks...

I've pushed and pushed... I've come up short on multiple long runs. My body is tired and beaten. And... I've got a new baby coming any day now. Phew... That feels good to let all that out. What does all this mean?

Well... I'm giving up on Harrisburg this year. It seems to have been a flawed plan all along. But... I'm finding that my heart/mind just isn't in it. And, I respect the distance far too much to believe that I can do it without being "all there". So, I just need to let it go for this year.

Funny, it doesn't even hurt that much to admit it. I think that's how I know it's the right choice. I'm still running (no race in sight). But, I'm feeling much better now that I'm not chasing. My apologies in advance if you think this is the wrong move. But... it's not. :)

And.... I fall flat on my face

Not literally... But, I ran yesterday and was supposed to go for 5 miles. Instead, I accidentally cut out one of the streets I was going to run on (pre-planned from RunningAhead). Then, I decided it was ok, I'd only run 4 miles. Then, I was completely trashed at about the 3 mile mark and I decided it would be ok if I walked the final mile of the "run". So.... after running 3.25 of a 5 mile run, I completely gave up.

Now, I rationalize this by saying that I obviously wasn't feeling great and they would be junk miles anyway. But, I can't help but feel like a huge sissy. Looking back, I had two days in a row where I was up before 5 am (very unusual for me). So, that could be getting to me. In the end, I've got 12 miles that I would like to negative split tomorrow. So... that's probably more important. But, damn. I seriously bailed on a 5 mile run? I barely recognize this guy...

Run recap- 3.26 miles, 29:44, 9:08 pace