Intervals... kind of

Just ran 5 miles with my friend Sara who is struggling with some knee pain (which is why she is running with me as she is usually way faster!).

I had the not so brilliant idea to run intervals in the middle.  My goal was 3 - 1/2 mile intervals with 1/2 mile jogs in between.  Not so much.  I did 2.  The first averaged about 3:50 and the second 4:00.  This shows you how out of shape I am.  I was blitzed after two so didn't do the third.  I also felt like I was going to puke because I ate too much beforehand.

I noticed that last January my runs were averaging 45 seconds/mile faster than my last few runs.  Granted I took off about 3 months at end of last year.  But also I didn't run any 5k's last year which I had done the year before.  I don't know, maybe I'm being too hard on myself and not giving myself enough time to work back up.  All I really do know is that I am out of shape.  :(

21 miles!

I got back to 20+ miles this week again. Feels great. All those endorphins just make me happy.
Sunday - 6.5
Wednesday - 3
Thursday - 5
Saturday - 6.5

I think I'll do it again next week. 8 weeks until the local 1/2 marathon. Hoping to get up to 28-30 by then.

My old friend ITBS

As I tried to go to sleep last night, my IT band hurt every time I moved my leg.  Took today off after 4 straight days of running.  I guess I hit it too hard to start off the new year.  I'm probably not going to get a run in tomorrow either since I'm painting my house... but maybe.  Still, it feels good to get back in the game. :)

Back at it

I'm sure my life will get busy again next week, but my plan is to start training again.  I have signed up for the Nashville 1/2 (Country Music) and this will be my 4th year straight to run it.  Have run each of the last 2 days. :)  I'm off to a good start in 2012!