Redemption Run

1/15/11

15 miles

2:15

9:00 avg pace

I’m calling this run the Redemption Run after last week’s disastrous 13-miler.  It’s amazing what a change in perception can do.  Running is very much mind over matter.  If you think and believe you can do it, you can.  If you let doubt and negative thoughts take over, you won’t achieve your goal no matter how hard you trained.  A few years ago during a run I overheard another runner say “if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”.  So very true.  If only it were that easy.  Another great line (from Elizabeth’s blog):  it takes years of practice to solidify your head.  I’m definitely still working on that one.

My training plan called for 15 miles at 9:31 pace.  I felt great so I went with it.  I had miles and miles of plowed trails…I was downright giddy 🙂  I was out running a little before 8:00 and it was cold!  But there was very little wind so it was bearable.  There were also a bunch of like-minded (i.e., crazy) runners out too.  Misery loves company.

Splits:

M1 – 9:22

M2 – 9:17

M3 – 9:05

M4 – 9:07

M5 – 9:08 (Shot Blok #1)

M6 – 9:10

M7 – 9:05

M8 – 9:11

M9 – 8:55

M10 – 8:53 (Shot Blok #2…swapped my wet, cold gloves for dry ones – I was a happy camper after that)

M11 – 8:54

M12 – 8:52

M13 – 8:51

M14 – 8:50

M15 – 8:53

I like to see that I sped up during the last 5 miles (must have been the warm, dry gloves at Mile 10).

It was a really pretty run.  It’s funny how nice the Schuylkill River looks frozen.

Next up – a recovery nap followed by some Saturday night shenanigans (partially kidding…I’m old and fast asleep before any shenanigans occur).  It’s my friend Steve’s 30th birthday and we are going out to celebrate.  It’s nice to know I still have 1 friend that’s turning 30…it makes me feel young!