The Road to Ultra

Today's Run: 5.0m
Run Time: 47:10 (9:26 per mile)
Total Miles to Date: 471.9

Thoughts on the Run:

Today, I went in circles. Literally.

I was scheduled to do a pace run. I feel I can train at a 9:30 pace and that should help improve my speed for later races (this is NOT what I expect to do on the hilly Twisted Ankle course). Because I was focused on pace, I decided to do it at a local 1/2 mile track with only slight hills.

I was fortunate to meet my running friend, Shane, so I had company. Going in circles isn't so tough when you have someone to chat with.

Shane is an aggressive runner (he could probably do this in 8-minute miles or better) but has an incredible perception of pace and kept us inline.

Here is the satellite image of our course (it's very interesting ... a big ... circle!)



We went out strong and finished the first in 9:10. Second was 9:40 to even it out, then we were consistent at 9:29, 9:26, and 9:29 respectively (not bad for keeping on pace). I also was able to carry a conversation for most of the run so this was definitely a decent pace for me to train at.

The only issue was that it was COLD. Freezing. Okay, not freezing ... high 30s. As much as I've learned to appreciate the cold, I really do want to train in the heat to prepare for Twisted Ankle.

My wife and daughter are still on vacation and will be at her parents for Easter. I'll be spending it alone. So my plan was originally to hit Kennesaw Mountain and do a 12-mile run early in the morning. Now I see early in the morning is going to be 32 degrees. I may change my plans and do it a bit later in the day ... but I will earn my chocolate eggs.

Warmly,

Jeremy Likness