There is such a remarkable difference between what you can do when it is hot out (75-85) and when it is cold out (45-55) – not that 45 is cold to some of you. Even with a nippy early morning breeze, today was a great day to run.
Wearing a polar tech high collar long sleeve top over a short sleeve microfiber short sleeve shirt, I was good to go this morning at a steady 9:00-9:15 pace for 13 miles.
I spent the first four miles running with Chris, Jurgen and Liz. I spent a good portion of the time encouraging Chris to make the pre-emptive smart move and invite his sweet wife Cindy to go see the January 6 release of “Leap Year,” a movie with great scenery in Ireland and a good story line if you like taming of the shrew kind of love story chick flicks. I saw it in a sneak preview last week and loved it.
After the four mile water stop I took up with Dave, Leslie, Jurgen, Justine and Todd. When Todd turned off to take the six mile route the ladies were quick to dissect his account of buying “jewelry” at Outdoor World for his one-week long four-dates female friend as a Christmas gift. Todd loves to fish so that’s why he was there. Who knew there was a jewelry department at Outdoor World? Needless to say, there were many parts of that story to extend the discussion for a mile or so.
Leslie was drafting on me again. We learned from talking about it that I prefer/perform better when being chased. She prefers/performs better as a chaser. So when we finished ten miles we stuck together for another 1.5 miles while the others headed for the barn. She nailed 21 miles today at a 9:36 pace. My 13 total was at a 9:11 pace. It was just fine running weather.
For the last month all my runs of 10 miles or more have been sub-9:15s with the exception of the day after I raced a half – 9:15, 8:41 (race), 9:06, 9:01 (race), 9:50, 9:13 and 9:11. I’m feeling pretty well in a fast groove. I may actually have to go back and look at previous Decembers to see if I’m that good or just delusional.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Amy 12.20.09 at 12:45 pm
I ran in the snow this week.
Jon (was) in Michigan 12.20.09 at 1:48 pm
45. Seriously? I run in shorts when its 45. You Floridians are just too soft.
Joe 12.20.09 at 4:58 pm
45 is about perfect, indeed. Yeah, it makes a difference and I’d guess that is a factor for your Very Good Splits.
I ran in snow yesterday…will be the subject of my post.
I don’t envy your summers, though.
jeff 12.21.09 at 2:31 pm
yeah…i’m loving this winter. did a long trail run on saturday with the start at 40ish and the finish in the high 70’s. magnificent weather and views!
darrell 12.21.09 at 4:10 pm
I’m afraid I’d be in the doghouse if I purchased my wife’s gift at Outdoor World, especially jewelry. Good luck to Todd.
I got a good chuckle out of “that good or just delsusional”.
Runner Susan 12.23.09 at 8:59 pm
Hi David! We got snow coming tonight! I’m grateful tomorrow is my Christmas!
Run, run, run as fast as you can – You can’t catch me . . .