This was a really good weekend. I had a race on Saturday morning and that was so-so, at least until I was able to step back and look at it objectively. It was a 5k on roads in a local park (because no trail for this girl), and I tore out waaaaaaaay too fast. For the first full 5 minutes I was running in the low 10-minute mile pace range (normally I run 11:30-12:00 minute mile paces, and I average in the 13s when you factor in walk breaks, at least right now). It felt really good, so good I didn’t realize I was doing it at first, and then I kind of fell apart–it was hard to find my rhythm after that. I didn’t expect much, but I did my best to get through the race and find some kind of rhythm. And I was pleasantly surprised–I finished faster than I expected to based on the halfway point. Still I was a little discouraged until I compared it to the average pace from the last 2 5ks I ran in town. Not my best 5k, but definitely not my worst. And I’m learning that I actually don’t mind the distance. I always used to say I hated it, but these days it’s becoming kind of fun. I still can’t wait to get my mid-distance game back, that’s my favorite.
I ran again yesterday, my 4 mile ‘long’ run, and that also went well. I felt good, my pace was steady and my average pace was slightly faster than it had been for the 5k, even with an extra mile. Progress is being made, I’m getting stronger with every run and getting my groove back. I’m registered for my August race, the Gold Jacket Hall of Fame 5k, and I get awesome bling for it, so I’m pretty pumped. With a few more weeks, I’m hoping to see some more improvement in my time.
Yesterday afternoon we made a whirlwind trip to Ohio for a family gathering. I was honestly on the fence about going, but I am so glad we went. I had a great time meeting and seeing cousins, and appreciating the fact that sarcasm is a way of life in my family. I think we got it from my grandma–the whole Gardner clan seems to be that way. It was a lot of fun.
And now another week begins…