Saturdays run will be very interesting

Well I didn't even go to work today. I woke up this morning if full flu like mode. I've been sleeping most of the day and am finally starting to feel ache free and more human. So obviously I did not do my run this evening.

On Saturday the group will make our first attempt at 18 miles for this season. 18 miles last season was when I really started to lose my confidence in completing the marathon. I really struggled. I'll be concentrating this week on fuleing and pacing better. I'll also be looking out for newbies who may need encouragement. That will help keep me distratced too. A good day Saturday will be to finish in good spirits.

Tuesday back at the gym

I still feel yukky but I was determined to get some exercise today. So I went to the gym. As I drove over I almost turned around and drove back. But I stuck it out and I'm glad I did. I was fully prepared to stop if it wasn't going well.

I completed my usual routine on the resistance machines and then moved to the elliptical. I kept the level on that on the low side. My goal was to work up a bit of a sweat without overdoing it so that I'd crash when I got home. I think I accomplished that.

One day at a time. I will try to run outside tomorrow.

Sick

I thought it was allergies, the stuffy head, sore throat, earache..... I was too tired to do anything every night. But when I woke up this morning with achy neck and shoulders and as that moved over other parts of me during the day it is obvious that there is more going on than just allergies. *sigh*. Here's hoping I can shake this by the end of tomorrow and get back on track Tuesday.

Walking on Monday, Running on Tuesday

Monday was a scheduled day off. Instead I walked about 4 miles with one of my Realtor friends in Harrisburg. She can't run right now due to some back and hamstring issues so we enjoyed a walk across the walking bridge to City Island around the Island back over the bridge and then along the river trail for a bit.

Today (Tuesday) I met two other Realtor friends at 6:15 for a 5 mile run along the trail. The really nice thing about this was that my ankle did not twinge even once before during or after the run. In fact, all day, despite being in heels I felt not discomfort at all. I really hope this is a long term thing!

Been debating what to do the next couple of days but then I saw the weather forecast so I'll stick to the plan which calls for 2 gym days in a row.

Philadelphia Distance Run

On Sunday I ran the Philadelphia Distance Run in 2 hours, 28 minutes and 6 seconds. Given that my goal run right now is the Goofy Challenge (really two runs) I was happy with the time. I was also pleased with the way my hydration and fuel strategy seemed to work. I wish I had done better with pacing and that I had eliminated the walk over the Falls Bridge.
I had hoped to pace the first 5 miles at more than 11 but less than 12 miles per hour. Then see if I could pick up the pace slightly in the next 5 miles and finish the last 5 at the quickest pace. According to my chip times my pace for the first 5k was 10:29 and my overall pace was 11:18. I went out too fast and got slower. I have to work on this. I do not use a running watch and maybe the only way I will be able to control this is to get one.

I felt good at the end despite this 'failure' despite having run the 9 miles the day before. So mentally I like i'm making progress toward Goofy.