Tag: running

I wasn’t sure how I felt this morning when I woke up, so I wasn’t sure what kind of run I’d get in. My goal was to do seven, but a minimum of five miles — that would have kept me on a pace to match last week’s total, provided I did four on Friday, as I did last week.

But it was a nice morning, temperatures moderate with a high blue sky, and I started to feel pretty good at about mile two. My pace was moderate to slow — about 9:30 — and I just decided to keep going and see what I had in me.

The result: eight miles in 1:16:40, a 9:35 pace and the longest run I’ve done in quite some time. That puts me at 21 for the week and 413 for the year (I think).

iPod selection was a mix of music (new Mellencamp song, Widespread Panic, Wilco, Springsteen and Elvis Costello) and podcasts (A “Bill Moyer’s Journal” from January and some poetry byYusef Komanyakaa).

A four-mile run this morning in 35:26 — 8:51.5 pace — on a nice sunny day with a slight breeze. As nice as the run was, I found myself unable to get loose. That happens sometimes.

Music: a mix

Nice day outside, though it was warmer than I expected — I ran in a long-sleeve shirt. Ran five miles in 45:52 — not fast, but comfortable.

Music: Bruce Springsteen, The River

I didn’t realize how sore I was from weekend work around the house until I got on the treadmill today and got started. I still managed to pull off a 33:39 for four miles (splits: 9:05, 7:54, 7:44, 8:56).

About two and half miles in I realized my thumb was bleeding again — I sliced it with a utility knife last night while prepping some cardboard for recycling — and my white towel was streaked in blood. After the run, I wrapped the thumb in tissues while I lifted, which left me in mind of a health-conscious Dean Moriarty in On the Road, when he starts to really lose his mind, waving a bloody thumb wrapped in an unraveling bandage.

Music: Patti Smith, Horses

Fifth day on the road this week — well, three on the road and two on the treadmill. My legs are pretty tight, now, but it does feel good mentally to know I am on the road back to something more consistent. I hope so, anyway.

Today: Four miles in 37:45.

Music: Elvis Costello, Momofuku