I am getting used to sharing my runs not only on social media, but also here in this space. Let’s see how this goes for a weeks worth of recap.
This covers my activity from 6/24 thru 6/30.
Monday 6/24
Normally I like to get a run in to start the week of right. Especially, if I took the weekend off. This what I found myself in on this very Monday. I did not run over the weekend, as the family and I did a weekend getaway and had a great time.
However, I did not run. I was scheduled to
donate platelets at the American Red Cross that evening and I did not want my iron count to be low again. I have found it that increasing my distance and some of my workouts, have left my iron levels low for donation but perfectly fine for everyday health. Recently I even verified this information with my GP and he was really happy that I even knew what my count was not alone donate.
I was happy to hear that I passed on the iron level test and was able to donate. The funny part is, my appointment is typically the last one of the day, so when I left after about and hour and half and 5 other people were still hooked up, I was like, “they must be giving more units?” Not really, I found out my platelet count is very high, I was just done before them.
Wednesday 6/26
After a days rest after donating platelets, I was feeling more like myself so back to the grind. I had in my mind, today is a 5 mile day. I went to the gym before work and got to work. Calling myself king supreme, I hit the treadmill. I was feeling really good after the first two miles. My pace was steady but manageable. Then after 2.5 miles, I felt like like I was struggling a little more than I should have. I backed down a little bit but finished 5k.
Guess I should have waited until at least mid-day to tackle those miles. Don’t worry, I told myself, you will own this machine next time.
Friday 6/28
The girls did not me to drop them off at school today. Mommy was their chosen favorite for the morning. I headed to gym again after running a couple of early morning errands. It really not often I get a chance to the gym twice this early in day and I was taking advantage of it. Due to time, I was able to squeak out another 3.25 miles, but my pace was back on point at 13’58”. The person next to me said they could not keep up with me, thats only because I changed my music. What can I say, when EPMD is on, my legs feel young again. Side note, I did have a hard time getting out of a chair or two later that day. If my music does not show my age, my body snuck up to snitch on me. I was asked if I need help, my only response “Healthy living is trying to take me out.”
Sunday 6/30
I made a promise to myself at the beginning of the year. I would dedicate at least 1 long run a month to doing half marathon distance. This in preparation for the now two halves I will be doing in the later part of the year. After a week of not getting the miles, I wanted during the week, I had something to prove to myself. As added motivation, in order to meet my monthly goal, I had to nerve to sign-up for two virtual missions through Strava:
- Half Marathon Challenge for the month
- Race to the Moon Challenge. Which meant I had 50 days to run 50 miles
For majority of my long runs I go to
Penny Pack Creek Trail. It’s fairly flat, but one end has a slightly higher incline than the other. The length of main trail is 5.25 miles, with parking available on either ends, the middle, and a couple smaller parking lots that are located just off the main tail. I like this trail because of the creek, natural wildlife, and everyone is really friendly to each other. I got to the park just before 6:30 to beat the heat.
For this run, I make sure that I have hydration pack and gels. In addition, due to the distance, I am going to try to stick to intervals more than ever. Mostly because of the heat, and I want conserve as much energy as possible for the later half of my distance. I start by heading to the harder end of the trail to get that out the way. When I get to the end of the trail, I run through the adjoining neighborhood, Rockledge. Then I head back.
After I do about 5 miles, I take my first gel with some water. I keep heading to the other end of the trail. I felt myself starting to slow down around mile 6, but, I just relaxed and I was able to keep steady. I trusted the intervals, 4 mins running/30sec walking. A couple of times I had to extend my walking to 45seconds, but it will come together. After 10 miles I took my second gel. I really did not feel like I needed it at this point, but, I am treating the day like a race so sticking with my plan.
I finished the distance, all 13.1 miles. I was shocked that I did not have to crawl into my car when I was done. I almost felt a little like I did 10 miles from a couple weeks earlier. Just like any other long run, just before I got back in the car, I stretched and switched my sneakers. My feet always feel better just by swapping. It may be more mental than anything, but they always feel better.
Had a hard time falling back to sleep after working late. My mind was going a million miles a minute and you would have thought that watching Archer or Futurama before going to bed would have settled my mind. I had to day off work and lunch plans with my folks and brother. In addition, my first boss/mentor and life long friend, John Douglas, is in town and it has been a while since we have had a chance to see each other in person. I got in 5k this morning after I made a stop to enjoy Long Wood Gardens. Thanks to G Money who for suggesting the change in scenery. On this visit, I went to other parts of the grounds to enjoy the water falls, bell tower, and various gardens. Here are just a few photos I took on my adventure:
