Hurdle the Dead, Trample the Weak

7:10 am: 4 miles

First day of spring semester for me. Woke up early to get my run in before class started. I don't feel sick anymore which is great so I felt like I was able to open up abit on the run. Averaged a 7:50 mile.

8:24 pm: 4 miles

Had a busy day at work, but I managed to get my run in at the gym on the treadmills. Ran for 30 min at a comfortable pace and then finished out the last mile to 4. Averaged a 8:00 mile.

7:34 am: 4 miles

This morning was super cold. I really wanted to quit during the first 2 miles, but after that I was able to warm up and continue to run. Ran another 30 min while finishing out the last mile. Averaged 7:58 pace. I ran the first 7 min at 8:30 pace, the next 15 min at 7:30 pace, and then finished out at 8:30 pace.

7:20 pm: 5 miles

Had another treadmill day, but this time I increased the mileage and pace. Ran 5 miles and averaged 7:30 pace. Legs felt good and was getting ready for tomorrows long run.

1:04 pm: 8.5 miles

Death by treadmill. Anything over 6 miles should not be run on a treadmill, unfortunately today I ran 8.5 miles. The goal was to run it without dropping below 8:00 pace.

During the first 4 miles I was able to stay on pace comfortably however once I hit mile 4 I had to drop it to 8:34 pace. Ran that for the next 3.5 miles and finished my last mile at 7:30 pace so that I finished fast. Overall averaged an 8:14 pace. Didn't hit my goal, but I'm more happy that I got the miles in. I can worry about times once I build up my base and get stronger.

Legs felt pretty good. My left calf was pretty tight from this weeks running, but eventually I didn't feel it as I continued to run. Towards the end I could feel that my shins were putting in the work, but nothing concerning on that front.

Next week I expect to run 45 min each day while finishing out the last mile so that I can continue progressing. Lots of stretching/massaging to come tomorrow.