Doesn't Get Easier

Fast spinning 30 min followed by strength training.

AM:  Slow 2 mi then EP 5 mi progression down to 7:00 pace (7:51 avg, 120s HR avg).

PM:  8 mi good steady clip with goal to keep HR around 145 (7:00 avg, 137 HR avg).  Temps in 50s and cloudy.  One pit stop.  I was really feeling good once I got to breathing deeply and HR settled.

AM:  EP 6.5 mi, first 2 mi real slow and progressing to 7:30 (7:56 avg).  Temps in 40s!  Yee-ha!! 

PM:  EP 2 mi, 6 x 400m Steep Hill Repeats, EP 2 mi working the hills on the way back (8:02 avg, 126 HR avg).  Temps in 60s and sunny.  It would have been a great run if it wasn't for the hills!  I can't believe Kenyan runners can do 20 or more repeats.

AM:  Slow 4 mi before heading to men's Bible breakfast.

PM:  Slow to EP 7 mi + 8 x 30 sec. bursts w/ 2 min RI (7:54 avg).

AM:  Slow to EP 6.25 mi (8:27 avg).  Temps in low 60s and humid.  Just couldn't get into this run.  The increase in mileage has created some random twinges and aches in new places around my body.  I've always found Thursday to be my toughest day physically and mentally.  Hopefully the afternoon run will feel better.

PM:  EP 7 mi faster during middle 4 miles (7:45 avg, 124 HR avg).  Warm and humid.  I felt crummy the first 1-2 miles, better at the quicker pace, and then tired/crummy again at the end at a slower pace.  Interesting. 

PM:  EP 6 mi (7:51 avg).  Temps in 70s and raining.  Slept about 9-10 hours last night and legs felt very responsive today. 

Goal: EP 2 mi, PMP 12 mi (6:50-7:00 pace range), EP 2 mi.

Results: EP 2 mi, PMP 11 mi (6:53 avg, 6:48-7:02 range, 150 HR avg), EP 3 mi (overall 7:22 pace, 142 HR avg).

Comments: Temps around 70, 94% humidity, and overcast.  Legs felt a little soft and not as lively as yesterday, but not tired either.  I lost sleep last night because our oldest daughter came down with the stomach flu.  I ate food before the run and took 2 GU during.  HR increased quickly due to temp and humidity (my nemesis).  I knew this was going to be a toughy because my heart rate was in the threshold zone by the fourth mile.  I accepted that and decided to plow through it as long as I could.  My form was really sloppy the last 3 miles at PMP but I held pace (6:53 avg).  However, I had enough and called it one mile short of goal.  Fluid loss was running high.  Overall, I have to resconsider whether the PMP is a realistic goal for a marathon 6 weeks from now.  Today tells me "NO".  Some excuses are I'm running higher weekly mileage, increased the quality this week, lack of some sleep, and weather wasn't ideal.  As ususal, it will probably be a race day call.