Running With A Judo Head

Well I ran outside again last night. I knew it would probably be a good run when my mp3 player's battery died on the second song of the run. See my only means for keeping time is on the stopwatch that is in my mp3 player. So I figured that I'd probably end up with a run that I'd really like to know what my time was. I got into a good rhythm early. I easily ran past the point where I took my first walk break yesterday. Every time doubt crept into my head I did a body inventory to evaluate my pain, there was none. So I just kept pushing myself. I told myself I'd just run to the next mailbox or power pole, but then I wouldn't stop, I'd just tell myself ok now the next one. I felt really strong when I ran past the mile point (which is still just an estimation, I have to actually measure it tonight). The thought that finally made me walk was that I might be progressing a little too fast on the outdoors running. I don't want to be injured just for the sake of one great run. So I eventually took a minute walk break, and then another on the little hill near the end. So 1.8 miles traveled with only 2 minutes worth of walk breaks, I call that damn fine. Since yesterday it took me 29:12 to do the same course with six walk breaks, I know I was faster than that today. Between my wife and I we estimate it took about 28 minutes, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was even faster. Oh well I'm just really happy at the quality of run at this point. My lower thighs, right above my knee, were tight last night. This morning they are still a little tight. Luckily today is a rest day, it looks like the schedule is serving me well. I'm really looking forward to Friday's run, I'm charging my mp3 player as I type this. I'm unsure how I will do my short and long days this weekend. At this point I don't really want to go back to the treadmill.

Anbody Need A Treadmill?

I ran outside. It was liberating. Here are some things that I learned.

1. I run faster outside.
2. Small rolling slopes don't really look like hills when you are running on them, but your legs know the difference between them and a treadmill.
3. The gravel on the side of the road might look like a better running lane, but those weeds growing in it make it a lot tougher than just running on the asphalt.
4. Seeing the mile marker down the road is not the same as knowing exactly how far you have come.
5. A compression shirt is like a body bra for a fat guy, it doesn't eliminate the jiggle it just controls it.
6. The sun is hot.
7. A breeze at your back in the last 5 minutes of a run can feel like a real blessing.
8. Nothing beats seeing the endpoint of your run and being able to run faster to it.

I probably learned more than just those things, but that is all I can think of right now. I finished my 1.8 mile course in 29:12. I wasn't even trying to run faster, at least until the final 300 feet or so. Let's put it this way, I know my next run will be outside.