Week of March 20

I managed to get out twice this week so far - Tuesday the 22nd and Wednesday the 23rd. I've been noticing lately that my heart rate has been dropping. When running an 11 minute mile, It used to be in the high 170's, now it is in the high 150's. So on Tuesday I decided to push myself and keep my heart rate in the mid 160's. I made 3.8 miles in 38:24 - a 10:06 pace! My plan was to go at this pace for the first 2.3 miles, then run the last 1.5 miles easy. And I did honestly feel like I slowed down during that last 1.5 miles, but checking my watch revealed that I had not slowed down. I think this phenomenon is related to my stride - when I thought I had slowed down, I did it by reducing my stride length. I concentrated on baby steps. But then I remembered my friend Mark telling me something: reducing stride length can cause the brain to subconsciously increase cadence. Come to think of it, I did feel like my feet were tapping the ground a bit faster during that last 1.5 miles.

The only bad thing about today was that I did not get that runner's high feeling - I'm not sure I will with shorter runs. I might have to adjust my expectations on this and begin taking notes.

Time: 3.8 miles, 38:24, 10:06 pace
Confidence: Up
Rating: 3 (out of 3)

I did it again on Wednesday, although just a bit slower because my legs felt a little sore from Tuesday's faster pace. (Right leg only, again... quads especially... I really need to get into the gym to do some strengthening there). Even though I felt like I was doing an 11 minute mile, my final time was 2.8 miles in 28:35 - a 10:12 pace! There were BIG snowflakes falling, and it was quite windy, which made for an interesting run. I felt like I was dodging snowflakes, and those things kinda hurt when they get in your eyes!

Time: 2.8 miles, 28:35, 10:12 pace
Confidence: Up
Rating: 3 out of 3

The faster running this week is increasing my confidence. I wish I could get out for one more run before Saturday, but life gets in the way. I am looking forward to getting out for six miles on Saturday to see how it goes.