Run of the mill

Today was just a run of the mill sort of day. There was nothing special about the day (other than it being Friday). But regardless of the ordinary and average kind of the day, I have been looking forward to today. Generally, Friday means the weekend is on its way, relaxed dress, and running.

My mind and body was eager for the run aspect. I don’t know which (mind or body) was most eager for the run, but the anticipation was strong by Thursday afternoon.

I had reported to Coach that my right ankle was feeling a little sore following my pick-ups on Wednesday. I wasn’t worried as it felt like the confirmatory muscle soreness that follows a good workout. Following the pick-ups, my legs were a twinge sore. These days, however, I am acutely aware of my feet and ankles. The soreness resolved early in the day on Thursday meaning that I was good to go again.

Prior to going to bed, last night, I piled my running tights, headlamp, Garminia, etc onto the floor. My work clothes were loaded in my backpack. I was set for the possibilities of the morning.

As I saw it, I had three options:
1. Be up and running straight out of bed. I’d be challenged to be back on time to get the kids off to school on time, but I only had a 4 mile run to complete. It was an option.

2. More likely, was that I would drop off the kids, drive to work, and run around work prior to hitting my desk.

3. If I wasn’t able to get to work early enough, I could run at lunchtime. My calendar was full again, so option 1 or 2 would be better. Meetings, meetings, and more meetings today.

It was no surprise that I wasn’t rearing to go when my alarm sounded. By the time my feet hit the floor, I had a good idea that I’d be challenged to run before beginning my work day. But, as luck would have it, the kids and I were piling into the van ahead of schedule. I arrived at work early enough to run, but not outside. I’d have to run on the ‘mill on this run of the mill day.

I set the incline to the usual 1% and fired it up. I started out somewhat slow, warming up at 6.5 mph. My body wasn’t tired, but my mind was still groggy. I stayed at 6.5 for a 1/2 mile before inching up to 6.6 mph. I clicked off the mile intervals on Garminia, and inched up the speed on the 1/2 mile points.

Mile 1 = 9:08,
Mile 2 = 8:53,
Mile 3 = 8:45,
Mile 4 = 8:44
Final 1/2 mile = 4:34

After focusing all week on “feeling” the pace, I noticed that I really could not discern a difference in effort between the various paces while running on the treadmill. They all “felt” the same. That is until I backed down my pace for the final mile. I think that I felt the belt slow a bit.

Anyhow, I got it done and am now looking forward to my weekend long run. It is supposed to rain and I am actually looking forward to running in the rain. Hopefully, I will still feel that way when the time comes to do the deed.