Training Day, but without Denzel and Ethan

9/2: 6 Miles Easy

I'm using the same training plan as I did the first go around but I figure this time maybe I'd actually do the specific speed work and hills that I neglected in the previous training months.

I found this training plan via a fellow runner friend of mine. I do like that it gives you options to opt out on days where you just can't fit it in, or when you just feel like sitting on your ass sipping some wine. I am going to try very hard not to let the latter happen.. as often. I mean, let's be real. Those days will be happening, ok?

Because I am familiar with this training, I shaved the first two weeks off the schedule, mostly out of necessity. I am also mixing around the runs/workouts for the days that work best for my schedule. For instance, since today is Labor Day and I am home from work, I did the 6 miles today instead of Tuesday and will most likely swap Tuesday and Wednesday, since I am off Wednesday for W's first day of kindergarten.

This morning was supposed to be 6 "easy" miles. Although my time today was not much faster than my ill fated Saturday 6 mile slog, I felt much more positive (read: I didn't want to die the entire time.. just part of the time). I am working my trying to finish strong and with negative splits but I just haven't gotten to the point of fitness where I can muster up the speed for the last couple of miles.

Because you care -

Today's Mile Splits:
(Courtesy of the Garmin Forerunner 305)

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	56:51.0	6.00	9:31
1	9:31.0	1.00	9:31
2	9:23.5	1.00	9:23
3	9:17.4	1.00	9:17
4	9:35.1	1.00	9:35
5	9:30.8	1.00	9:31
6	9:31.8	1.00	9:32
7	:01.8	0.00	6:45

Splits from this past Saturday's Run of Shame:
LOOK at those middle miles. *hangs head*

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	58:04.0	6.00	9:41
1	8:53.9	1.00	8:54
2	9:12.7	1.00	9:13
3	9:36.5	1.00	9:37
4	10:00.3	1.00	10:00
5	10:20.2	1.00	10:20
6	9:54.2	1.00	9:54
7	:02.7	0.00	10:35
8	:00.9	0.00	0
9	:02.8	0.00	0

Here are the mile splits from the 10K race last Saturday. Not my best effort but way better than today.

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	56:11.0	6.21	9:05
1	9:11.8	1.00	9:12
2	8:57.7	1.00	8:58
3	8:42.3	1.00	8:42
4	9:09.9	1.00	9:10
5	9:16.6	1.00	9:17
6	9:12.6	1.00	9:13
7	1:40.0	0.21	8:08

I will not lie. I actually added this race info to make myself feel better. I mean, it wasn't a PR by any means but whatever. It's my blog. Also, did I mention I am a little unstable and delicate these days. Like a FLOWER blowing in the wind.

By the way, adding my actual mile splits and time is something I will have to get used to. I want to be as forthright about everything, even though there is a small insecure part of me that just feels too slow. But anyways, putting it out there for you loyal 2 or 3 readers (HI Charla!) is a big step for me. Baby steps, right? Baby steps. Just like this blog.

After the last month, I don't think I could have faced another discouraging run, so I took it easy today. I listened to my music too, which I didn't do this past Saturday. I think I will need music for the runs of 6 miles and shorter, just to give me some energy and beats. I will try to do the longer runs sans music, so I can listen to my beautifully melodic heel striking and sharp labored breathing.