Running Journal, Monday, 2011-03-07: Slippery Mud, Takeoff Lights in the Fog

Running Journal, Monday, 2011-03-07

Resting heart rate: 63 bpm (60 second test, 45 minutes after exercise)
Body Mass Index (BMI): 22.73 (kilograms/(meters^2))
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): 1,846 calories
Weather: moonless (waxing crescent), overcast; winds out of the SSW at 11.1 km/h (6.9 m/h) winds; 82% humidity; 101.95kPa (30.11 inches pressure)

Temp: 10 C (50 F)
Time: 7:30-8:15 p.m.

Terrain: flat; +/- 11 m (36 ft)

Comments: Did not want to go out tonight. Spent the first part of the evening caulking kitchen and bathroom to stop ants from coming in. Wore leggings, racing shorts, a long-sleeve technical shirt, and gloves, which was just about right for the temperature. The overcast sky reflected the city light, showing me a bit more of the darkened streets than the otherwise moonless night would. Tonight I noticed colors. The overcast skies illuminated the residential area in a mixture of dark grays, with doorways bathed in bright, contrasting oranges and whites. Two cats on Sebastian Way watched me warily as I passed. Above, aircraft takeoff lights occasionally shone through the overcast skies as they ascended. About half-way through, I started picking up the pace a bit. I had sped up and slowed down a few times, watching for the characteristic burn of lactic acid which would indicate I was going into anaerobic mode. I reached Crabtree Park and started going faster. I started getting what must be a runner's high--what felt like clarity of thought and a high level of awareness. I ran west on Churchill Road, south on Morse Avenue, west on Joseph Avenue, then north on Jonas Avenue to Jonas-Larkspur Park. After last Wednesday's run, I had spotted a trail on the south side of the park which seemed to go closer to the frogs' croaking. I decided to head into the park, even though I often hear voices. As I ran past the playground equipment, I passed about five or six teens smoking (ha!). I followed the trail south, leaving cement for slippery mud and hard-pack dirt. Then I was right there with them--thundering frogs everywhere. I ran in the dark through the south of the park, the noise deafening, then diminishing a bit as I approached Evelyn Lane. Exhilerating. I sprinted north to finish the run. 

Goal Time: n/a

Distance (running): ~6.56 km (~4.08 miles); http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/29302358

Weight (after run): 77.8 kg (171.5 lbs), ?% body fat
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: Left lower back a little sore
Foods eaten today: oatmeal + raisins + banana, walnuts, almonds, See's Cafe Latte candy, low sodium V-8, Kirkland Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake, Ito En matcha green tea with lemon juice x 2, Fuji apple, Brown Cow Low-Fat Lemon Twist Yogurt, Trader Joe's Butternut Squash soup, Marie Callendar's cornbread, Tempt Mint Chip Ice Cream, orange juice, Trader Joe's Egg White Salad With Chives on Jewish Rye bread