4 Mile Run (A+) -- 166.5--

LOS FELIZ -- Ran a nice easy push on the first part of the loop. Really hot today. One of those days where the red ball on the thermometer is still floating alone at the top of the glass at 9pm.

It said it was 90 on the bank sign, but it might not have been quite that bad. Sun was halfway down...I'd say high 80s. 88. Ran well. Finished hard. Wicking.

Anywho, it was faster than the first two of this week. Thinking of limiting myself to three runs (including speed work) per week and limiting mileage. Then we'll fill in the blanks with cross training...bike, swim (eventually), jump rope, yoga, self-defense (hopefully! dammmm I miss karate.) This should not only limit the fatigue/overuse/whatever-the-hell-heel injuries, but improve the flexibility of the ankles and strengthen the quads to prevent injuries. It's all about the runs...but I've got to pace myself to make sure I don't hit a patch where I can't for weeks and months.

4 Mile Run (A) -- 166.5--

LOS FELIZ -- Got out there at dusk and put in another loop. Took it relatively easy, but was able to finish strong. Ended up feeling fairly worn out in the cool down, though.

Strange. But that's two in three days. So yeehaw. Maybe the Nike Run might actually happen.

4 Mile Run -- (A+) --167.5--

LOS FELIZ -- This started out as a real slog. Not even a run, but a jog. I set out to just get one in. And it was kind of cool to remember what it was like to be in not terribly great running shape. I was going through some of the same emotions that I used to feel on runs when I was doing 9 minute miles and the like.

Feel horrible. Feel comfortable. Feel incredible. Feel exhausted.

The nice thing is that by about the last 2/3rds of a mile, something clicked...hence the plus on the rating up there. A wee bit of strength and attitude returned on the last bit and I finished strong instead of dragging through the end.

3 Mile Run -- (A) --165--

LOS FELIZ -- After nearly a week with a cold, and weeks of travel and general malaise...here it was. An honest "let's go run" feeling. So I did it and cut it short after a nice little trot around the old loop. Could have finished the whole thing...and it is actually closer to 4 miles than 3, but rules are rules...but the better idea was to just take it easy after nearly 6 weeks of nothing.

Some things never change...some b**** (walking toward me, mind you) simply refused to move from my side of the sidewalk, earning my ne'er ending respect and a polite word or two as I passed.

Some things I'll never understand...I take 6 weeks away and lose 4.5 pounds? I certainly don't feel thinner. And I certainly don't look thinner. Guess that might be some rather useful muscle that went away...

dam.