Rest Day and Tempo Run

Monday was a rest day, so Pete and I met some friends for Mexican in VB. We sat outside, because it was so nice. Compared to last week, it feels amazing outside. Very low humidity, nice breeze, high 70s. I was only going to have one maragarita, but since it was our day off I went for another. The food was reeeally good too. I ordered the enchiladas, which are my current fave.

Tuesday's workout was a 4-mile tempo at 15k to half-marathon pace. I drove to the same park from Sunday with a 1.5 mile loop. After a 2 mile warm-up, I got some water and used the disgusting port-a-potty. I wanted to go in the woods but I didn't have the nerve to do it with so many poeple around. Ugh that bathroom is so nasty.

The tempo went well. I aimed for 6:40 pace and ended up averaging 6:38's, for a total time 26:33.49. The actual time was 27:06, but I had to subtract the time it took me to run the 50 meters between the "end" and "beginning" of each loop. Splits from my watch (so I can clear it for my run today):

9:54.04 (1.5 miles)
16.78 (between "end" and "beginning") 10:10.82 total
10:03.73 (1.5 miles) 20:14.55 total
16.31 (between) 20:30.86 total
6:35.72 (last mile) 27:06.58 end time
subtract 33.09 seconds
total time: 26:33.49

I am probably going to run during lunch today (since we actually get a full hour and a half for lunch on half days). I might be a little over since I am supposed to run 13 miles today. Two more school days left, and both are half days. Summer cannot get here soon enough!

Yes, it's hot!

Heat waves shimmering
one or two inches
above the dead grass.
(a poem by Matsuo Basho)


So hot I cannot breathe
I pause and it only gets worse
Pick it up
I have to stop
I can see the traffic lights ahead
There is a bug on my shoulder
Smack! I got it
A fly on my knee
Too late, he already got me
Twenty minutes more
My leg itches
I have to walk
No!
Stare at the pavement and
I'm going to make it
I think.
(my actual thoughts)

Wednesday's run was not good. 11 miles and in the mid-90s when I left my house at 6:30 pm. I was sweating before I even left. By the halfway point I was feeling ok so I picked it up a little, but 10 minutes later I was toast. I really wanted to walk soooo badly but I made it home with a verrrry slow jog.

Thursday was a 5 mile recovery run, and it was just as hot as the day before. Felt bad at first, but overall I think we achieved the goal of "recovery". I am pretty exhausted, but thankful that school will be over in a week.

Pete and I are looking forward to this weekend. We have one last post-season track meet on Saturday, and then finally track season is over! We're also planning to go to the beach this Sunday. And maybe hitting up a few margaritas.