Training Log Archive: ParkSchool

Well, it was our last day in Florida, and I figured it was time to make one more assault on my PR. I felt my preparation was impeccable. I rested yesterday, set my alarm to get out before the sun was high, stretched carefully and timed my start to miss the bridge openings. And I felt really fast as I set out,.... only I wasn't. Despite my musings about arriving at the bridge in under 11:00, my time was 11:35, almost 15 seconds slower than my performance on Sunday. And it didn't get any better. I kept a steady pace, but my running was consistently 15+ sec/mile slower than my earlier performance. Perhaps some days are just like that, or perhaps I am realizing the effects of a full week of unrestrained eating. In either case, it was not the transcendent result that I was hoping for.

I did not get out for a run until the afternoon, which meant the sun was overhead, but the continued cold weather made this less of an issue. Chose to run at a more relaxed pace but to extend the standard Hillsboro inlet run another 1/2 mile. Felt quite stiff on the way out, but legs started to loosen up after crossing the bridge, and I felt quite strong coming in.

Road run to Deerfield Pier. Was looking for a good solid run after rest day yesterday and felt good about the effort. Weather (54 F this AM) continues to cooperate with running efforts although not with enjoyment of beach. At this point, we are looking for alternate activities to compensate for the less than inviting beach conditions.

Responding to a more than generous Brazilian barbeque meal last night, I decided on a longer run than my usual Florida fare. I was hoping for a steady 8:00 min/mi pace, but my legs felt heavy after a harder run yesterday, so I just found a comfortable pace and stuck with it. The weather was definitely warmer than yesterday, and I was cursing myself by the end for not getting out earlier in the day when there was a bit more shade. I was certainly happy when it was over, but all in all, it was a satifying run.

Well, the streak has come to an end, but without much guilt. The weather forced me to cancel my flight to Ft. Lauderdale and reroute through Jacksonville followed by a drive south in a rental. It really wasn't light enough to run in the woods (and I felt the dogs would have appropriately felt resentful if I went for a road run without them) before our early departure for the airport. And when we arrived at the apartment, my mother and sister had dinner on the table. I could conceivably have gone out for a run after dinner, but the road is quite dark, and I was happy for an excuse. Today I did the standard run over the inlet and back. The weather was perfect (for running, but not the beach) with temperatures in the mid 50's, so I went out with the idea of running hard enough to see where I was compared to previous years. I was pleasantly surprised to hit the bridge just 5 seconds off my PR standard and made the decision to go for it. But then I hit the tail end of the bridge on the way back, requiring a 1:35 delay. I still tried to complete the run in under 30:00 which would translate to a new PR. As with my last attempt at a 30:00 run, I just came up short. Still, it was quite a good effort and provided continued motivation for my efforts to get out regularly over the winter.