Running journal, Monday, 2006-02-13

Running journal, Monday, 2006-02-13
Resting heart rate: 59 bpm (60 second test)
Day: Monday
Date: 2006-02-13
Weather: Sunny
Temp: 21.1 C (70 F)
Time: 10:30-11:25
Terrain: flat, riverbank horse trail mildly hilly (10')
Comments: Ran 11.8 minutes/mile (5.17 hours marathon pace) today, but I slowed on the return. I pushed myself as Galloway recommended until I huffed and puffed, backed off, moved forward, backed off, finding the conversational pace. On the way out, I felt comfortable picking up the pace, extending my stride, paying attention to the feedback from my body as I pushed myself a bit. As I walked across the bridge this morning, I saw two snowy egrets perched on tree-branches on the north bank, a place I have not seen them before. Noticed some vultures drifting to the east in lazy circles over my head on the way out. Almost ran into a large bee. All I heard was the Doppler shift of the buzzing as it went past. ;) I labeled the horse-trail the "riverbank" trail today for the first time to distinguish it from the bike trail, in terms of hills and composition (stones, puddles, and so forth). Much easier to stay focused on rhythm and speed on the bike trail. Running next to the river is always a treat though, and I love it. :) Lifting my chest and moving my hips forward is becoming a habit I remember earlier in my run. I ran someplace new this morning, along the access road between the parkway and the property-lines of the homes, and then up El Manto Drive to a horse-trail in a field that runs parallel to the bike trail. I enjoy finding new places to run, because exploring helps distract me from focusing on mechanics. From my elevated perch on the access road (five-six feet), I could see into backyards. More interesting were the fences property owners erect and how they maintain them. Some owners' fences did not have bracing planks of wood on the north side, some did; some fences were in excellent condition, some were in various states of disrepair. One home's north-facing fence had completely fallen over, prompting the owners to erect blaze-orange webbing in its place. :) By far the most reinforced fence I saw had a foundation of stone blocks, steel poles, and neatly trimmed and painted (burgundy or dark brown color) boards. If I build a fence, that is what I would want. :) I met dogs protecting their owners' homes for the first time today, and felt fearful for my safety, even though they were behind chain fence. Two big dogs were whining to come inside, and had not noticed as I passed, when I called out to them, "Hey buddy." :) They perked up immediately and swiftly moved to the fence, barking loudly. On the return, running along the horse-trail, I slowed considerably, enjoying the run as best I could. I think I might have pushed myself too hard on the way out. Re-crossing the bridge, I watched as one fisherman on the south bank near the boat-ramp talked with his friend, then noticed a nibble on his pole, and hastily made his way to his rod to check the line. Alas, nothing. :) I noticed on the drive home that there is a restaurant I have not noticed before called La Boheme, serving "Continental French" fare. I am curious to see what their menu looks like. Open Mon-Fri 11:30-14:00. The Safeway Sport Sunblock (SPF 30) continues to hold up well. I went to bed on Sunday night around 00:00, and woke up around 08:30. This is much better, as I try to get in the habit of awaking early for my long runs. Tonight going to bed at 22:00.
Note: Whoops -- realized today I have forgotten to subtract the two five minute warm-up/cool-down distances (about 2/3 mile) from the previous posts. :P Oh well, I am not in the mood to recalculate, but I am happy I corrected myself, because I want to have as accurate a picture of my marathon pace as I can before running.
Run Time: 45 minutes (with two five-minute warm-up/cool-down walks)
Goal Time: n/a
Miles: 3.8 mi http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=20072
Total Miles For Year: 47.7
Weight (after run): 80.2 kg (176.8 lbs)
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Very slight pulling sensation in my right knee on the way out when I was accelerating.