After yesterday’s astonishing run along side Noah, the animals and the Arc, I was feeling confident heading out this morning. The weather was much improved with clear skies, 38*, but with wind gusts up to 21 mph. Hey, after that mess I ran thru yesterday I will gladly take that forecast.
I’m finding that if I double up on gloves, I can wear almost any gear and be in good shape. Today, I layered a couple of shirts along with shorts and cap. I’m starting to get used to the new Brooks Launch. They are crazy lightweight, but the increased cushioning relative to my last couple of shoes has taken some minor adjustment. I’ve beaten my NB 903’s down to the point of them being basically flats instead of lightweight trainers. Those kicks are at 424 miles and nearing retirement age quickly.
I fumbled around before I made it out at 6:13 am. Crisp, cool and thankfully dry. I must have lost a couple of pounds as I feel really light right now. Within a couple of steps, I have to remind myself to slow it down to warm up. After the run, I confirmed it … I’m now at 186 lbs (~40lbs lost since I started running in 2007).
I hit the park with plenty of company. Dry weather means the return of cyclists. I can only recall a couple of incidents when they’ve annoyed me. I know I am in a rare category there. Among Central Park runners, there is an almost universal hatred for cyclists. I don’t take it that far, but then again they have not bothered me and I do try to be respectful of their right the road.
Anyway … out of the gates, I was beasting on the asphalt … no dirt paths today as puddles scared me off. I felt strong and put the foot on the accelerator a bit to test my fitness. I felt ridiculously good yesterday … not in terms of pace, which was acceptable, but just overall fitness and mental toughness. Today was probably even better. I didn’t have time to add another loop, but I ran better and harder. Absolutely no grinding, although during the last mile that 20+ mph wind was repeatedly punching me in the face and pushing me around quite a bit. No matter. A great run – 6.5 miles at 8:14 pace … in between goal tempo of 8:00 and easy of 8:30. Those bands might be tight, but I’ll keep going with it. I have not been able to hit the goal tempo (except for split-adjusted intervals), but I also have not dedicated an actual run to trying to achieve it either.
I’m still adjusting to pre-dawn running (due to work schedule), but so far to so good.