Monday, 73 minutes, 8.08 miles (3.31 miles walking)
Summer has for sure arrived because even early morning runs mean running in high 70s, low 80s temperatures and high humidity. Mom and I talked for a while on this run which tends to slow the pace down a little and helps keep my effort honest. I look forward to the fall when I will, hopefully, struggle to remember how hard the summer runs felt.
Tuesday, 73 minutes, 9.01 miles (3.29 miles walking)
We started bright and early this morning so Mom and I could get the run in before she had to get to work by 8:30. This made such a difference. We both ran strong and enjoyed every bit of our run. I did end up walking a little bit more afterwards to go across the street to get some more chocolate milk for my smoothie (hence the longer mileage).
Wednesday, 25 minutes, 3.05 miles (3.01 miles walking)
Sometime towards the end of the run portion I crossed the finish line of the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee, in the parlance of this tribe of crazies I became a “RAT.” I definitely did not feel a pep in my step but on the “back” portion of my out and back I motivated myself by picturing a finish line ahead and telling myself to get there. I finished and felt great. Now I “turn around” and try to get as close to my virtual car at the beginning of this out and back.
Thursday, 73 minutes, 8.30 miles (3.51 miles walking)
I thought the heat and humidity had already reached stupid levels. Nope. That came today. Apparently the temperatures reached near 100 degree levels in the afternoon meaning that 7:30am provided only marginal relief. I felt drained but got it done.
Friday, single mile, 1.41 miles (4.57 miles walking)
This week has held a lot emotionally with Grandma’s death on Monday and the fall out from the Governor’s press conference with all his cronies. On top of all of that the weather has amped up in terms of heat and humidity. All of that combined to a tired body that did not want to get out of bed. I knew that the tiredness I felt did not come from laziness but rather a cue from my body that I needed more rest. I settled for a single mile and also got in my walking. That may seem contradictory but the physical expenditure from walking differs drastically from going on a run. I also got the walk done right after the mile run partly because I wanted to stop by the store to get some cream of wheat and partly because I knew I would not want to go back out to get in a walk later. I spent the afternoon resting and hydrating to prepare for Saturday’s long run.
Saturday, long run, 15.00 miles (3.27 miles walking)
I woke up ready to go and determined to get in 14 miles. Even though the heat and humidity continues its unwelcome overstay, I prepared ahead of time and drank plenty of hydration. Mom had to finish at 10 miles and suggested that I change into dry clothes when I swung by the house to get my next bottle. Best idea ever. Even though the heat drained me I felt strong fitness-wise.
Also, I traveled virtually from Spain and the Camino del Santiago to Australia and the Great Ocean Road. Somehow I’m also simultaneously in Tennessee, virtually, on my way back. I like these virtual challenges.
Sunday 25 minutes, 3.68 miles (2.60 miles walking)
It took half of the run to warm up and feel like running. Once I finished that half, I settled in and got the rest of the run done.