I did not meet the running group this morning, but set out to do it on my own. I brought the Garmin so I could track my distance and speed. Total time was 2:09:10, which is an average of 8:04 pace. Mile splits were: 7:53, 7:50, 8:08, 8:15, 8:08, 8:14, 8:07, 8:19, 8:05, 7:56, 7:40, 7:53, 8:21, 8:16, 8:05, 7:50.
I should go treat myself to a manicure this afternoon I guess...
So I did the first 2 miles a little faster than I intended to, but then slowed myself down. I did miles 9, 10, and 11 under 8 minute pace again, but then wasn't feeling super so I slowed back down and then pushed the last mile. So technically I did do 6 miles at an under-8 minute pace, just not all in a row.
I ran past the J. Smith's house and Ryan was playing baseball in the yard, so I stopped to say hi to him and Aunt Mary Jayne for a few minutes. Then I continued on and stopped at the Colmone's house where Katie and Kelly were waiting for me to arrive with water so I could take my Gu. It was my first time trying the Tri-Berry flavor. I think I'll add that to flavors I like, now joining Strawberry Banana and Chocolate in that category.
After the run, I was NOT feeling good. But after a shower, quick stretch, and a lot of water, I felt a little better. Then I got to have lunch with Aunt Bernadette, Katie, and Kelly at Panera because Katie is home for 2 weeks!!!
Since I had to get to bed at a decent time last night to do the long run this morning and wasn't planning to go out, I had to come up with something to occupy myself. I decided to use YouTube to try to teach myself some songs on the piano. At the suggestion of a friend, I started with Mad World but it was kind of hard and I decided to go with a more fun song that I could get into - Teenage Dream. I just tried to upload a video of my skills (VERY loose term), but the upload failed. I'll have to play around with that more later because I am proud of what I have learned...although it may not seem like much yet. I can't seem to get down playing with 2 hands at once...way too much coordination involved in that.
Another awesome thing: Angela is coming to Chicago next weekend!! So we will get to do a long run together - I'm thinking 18 miles! That should be perfect to have her to run with after doing today's long run alone.
Have you ever tried to learn something new on a whim?
What is the best part of your weekend?
How do you treat yourself after a long run or hard workout?
